The latest Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting was expected to be held again in Shanghai, China, but this time it took place in the coastal city of Tianjin.

This change was not random; Tianjin, as an open port, serves as a main gateway for the Belt and Road projects, through which China intended to send a clear message.

Of course, China’s messages go beyond choosing this port city for the meeting. The rapprochement between Russia, India, and China, along with the affirmations in the final statement, were clear signs of an Asian desire to move towards a multipolar world order.

The meeting, held in China, attracted global attention as it came in response to the hostile, aggressive, and unbalanced US policy, amid the decline of European influence and Western policies excluding Russia.

Considering the turmoil caused by the Western-dominated global system, the emergence of such a power center in Asia could be seen as a positive balancing factor for the world.

The mention of moving towards a developmental, economic, and security entity in the final statement raised the possibility of a new pole forming. India’s active and dynamic stance also surprised me. India’s vision was officially adopted under the slogan: “One World, One Family, One Future.”

Despite questions about whether India includes Pakistan and the marginalized Muslim communities in this “family,” the acceptance of its proposal was notable.

Images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continuously smiling and excessively courting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping dominated global headlines.

It is incorrect to separate the SCO from the BRICS bloc, which forms an axis of Asian countries. In the coming years, these two organizations may merge into a new entity.

Originally founded on economic cooperation, these organizations have this year begun addressing broader topics. Cold War mentalities, partisanship policies, and coercive practices were rejected. Principles of justice and multipolarity were emphasized. Support for a multilateral trading system linked to the World Trade Organization (WTO) was reaffirmed.

Decisions were made to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and security issues. The establishment of a development bank will further transform this entity into an attractive center.

Reading these developments, one can see the emergence of an alternative power center to the Western bloc, led by China in Asia.

Looking at SCO member states, this bloc represents a significant economic, energy, and even military power.

The organization includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. It has four observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka. It also includes six dialogue partners: Azerbaijan, Albania, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Qatar.

The partnership of China, India, and Russia alone is enough to cause major shifts in global balances.

In energy, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, and Azerbaijan stand out as key players in the global energy market.

Militarily, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Turkey rank among the world’s strongest countries.

In short, from any perspective, this bloc is qualified to be an alternative center in economy, energy, security, and trade.

When US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska in a meeting that turned into a show, European countries were enraged.

But certainly, the recent meeting in China increased their anxiety. Despite attempts to isolate Russia and Putin and impose sanctions, they failed to achieve their goals.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly shown the importance he places on Putin. The triple images of Modi, Xi, and Putin seemed like a message to European leaders saying: “Burn with envy!”

Although Putin sank into the quagmire of war in Ukraine and lost much of his power, he did not kneel as Europe expected, and he is regaining his strength.

However, Russia must also face the reality that Putin is beginning to appear as a “secondary player” whom both China and the United States seek to attract to their camps. He is no longer a primary power but a secondary power providing support. This means, for Russia, a form of reduced status and prestige.

Turkey, a NATO member and one of the United States’ key allies and a long-time candidate for EU membership, has for years expressed its desire to fully join both the SCO and BRICS.

This desire began when Turkey started facing military issues with the US, the suspension of its EU accession talks, and periods of unofficial embargo.

Since then, Turkey has strengthened its relations with these organizations and started raising questions such as: “Is Turkey changing its alliance axis?”

But Turkey is not seeking to change its axis but to diversify it, wanting to play the role of a bridge between Asia and Europe, given its unique geographical location at the crossroads of the two continents.

Indeed, playing this role is not easy amid the fierce hostile policies the US pursues against China, but Turkey does not want to put all its eggs in one basket.

The recent meeting held in the coastal city of Tianjin will mark the beginning of a new phase that will spark much debate in the coming days.

It remains to be seen what Trump will say about this meeting that stole the spotlight while he furrowed his brow as usual.