Tianjin Welcomes Delegates for SCO’s Largest Summit Yet
Tianjin, China, has transformed into the diplomatic hub of the world as it hosts the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1. Leaders and representatives from over 20 nations have gathered to discuss pressing global challenges, with a strong focus on security, economic cooperation, technology, and cultural exchange. This year’s summit is expected to be the most expansive since the organisation’s establishment in 2001, underscoring its rising global significance.
The SCO, founded with the aim of fostering regional security and cooperation, has evolved into one of the largest multilateral platforms worldwide. Its full members today include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Observer states Belarus, Afghanistan, and Mongolia are also actively engaged in its proceedings.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, a reporter from Asian News International had a fun cross-dimension chat with robot “Xiao He”!
When tech meets diplomacy, the vibes are unmatched! #SCOSummit #TechAndDiplomacy #HumanRobotInteraction
By Li Yue, Wang… pic.twitter.com/7tKrIDo2uj— China Youth Daily (@CNYouthDaily) August 31, 2025
AI Humanoid Xiao He Becomes Face of Innovation
One of the standout features of this year’s summit is the deployment of Xiao He, a humanoid AI robot designed to assist journalists and international delegates. Positioned at the media centre, Xiao He offers multilingual support, real-time information processing, and protocol-compliant responses.
Introducing itself ahead of the summit, Xiao He said, “I’m Xiao He, a cutting-edge humanoid AI assistant designed for the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. My role is to facilitate seamless communication across languages and cultures while ensuring factual precision and neutrality.”
Equipped with advanced emotional recognition algorithms, adaptive learning modules, and an extensive knowledge database, Xiao He is capable of answering media queries, guiding journalists through summit arrangements, and even supporting cross-cultural interactions. The robot has proficiency in three languages and can provide detailed insights into summit schedules, logistical arrangements, and cultural showcases.
Among the highlights, Xiao He drew attention to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Interactive Experience Zone, where visitors can explore Tianjin’s traditional Yangliuqing woodblock prints and witness live demonstrations of Chinese craftsmanship. This fusion of cutting-edge AI with heritage culture marks a unique dimension of this year’s summit.
India-Japan Ties Strengthened Before the Summit
Ahead of arriving in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day official visit to Japan, where he attended the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across trade, security, and technology.
Calling his Tokyo visit “highly productive,” PM Modi posted on X, “Productive outcomes during a productive visit. May India-Japan friendship scale newer heights in the times to come.” The positive momentum from Tokyo is expected to influence India’s engagement at the SCO Summit, especially in the areas of technology and regional connectivity.
PM Modi’s Bilateral Meetings in Tianjin
Upon arriving in Tianjin for the SCO Summit, PM Modi prepared for two high-profile bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. He is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ways to stabilise India-China relations, which remain sensitive despite progress on trade and boundary dialogues.
Additionally, PM Modi will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are expected to cover energy cooperation, defence partnerships, and regional security, particularly in light of shifting global geopolitical alignments.
These meetings are likely to set the tone for India’s strategic positioning within the SCO and beyond, balancing its ties with major powers while reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in regional stability.
SCO at the Crossroads of Technology and Diplomacy
The SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin is more than just a diplomatic gathering—it is a showcase of how technology, culture, and international cooperation can converge. The introduction of Xiao He represents China’s push to highlight its advancements in artificial intelligence while ensuring that the summit operates smoothly for global media personnel.
At the same time, cultural programs, such as heritage exhibitions and local craft demonstrations, highlight the organisation’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding among its diverse member states.
As discussions unfold, the summit is expected to produce joint statements on regional security, economic cooperation, and technological collaboration. With world leaders present, including India’s Prime Minister, the SCO 2025 is set to shape the course of Eurasian geopolitics in the coming years.
