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Observing China is the essential newsletter to understand the UK-PRC relationship, explained in the context of global developments.

This image was generated using Artificial Intelligence.

Back in June, the heads of state and government of the thirty-two North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member and partner countries convened in The Hague to discuss political and security matters. Soon, from 31st August to 1st September, another summit will take place on the other side of the world in the Chinese city of Tianjin. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Beijing-led economic and security organisation positioned as a counterweight to NATO.

Founded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia –and with most of its members heavily aligned with Moscow in particular – no SCO members are part of NATO, although Turkey has said it seeks to upgrade its status in the SCO from dialogue partner to full member.

This year’s SCO summit in the PRC comes at a time when Beijing is increasing its presence on the world stage and the United States (US) has ruffled some feathers with its tariffs and significant reduction in international aid.

Welcome back to Observing China.