At a fractious time for the world, this
was quite the statement. A collection of
powers convened by China.
Part of what some are calling a new axis
of upheaval.
One by one, leaders lined up to greet
President Xi, 26 in total.
>> But there was no question about who was
the guest of honor here.
Vladimir Putin got a lingering
conversation,
>> a right-hand position for the pictures.
>> It felt a bit like the others were
simply trailing along as they headed on
in to have dinner.
But the welcome banquet was also
designed to place the host front and
center, his vision as well as his
message, his guests listening on.
Guided by the Shanghai spirit, let us
set out again from Tanzhin and embark on
a new and promising journey towards a
brighter future.
Putin's presence will be the headline
grabber here. His war in Ukraine drags
on. So does his reluctance to make
peace. China clearly still has his back.
But for the host, this summit is wide
reaching. a forum to discuss security, a
platform to promote its credentials. It
is only day one of what is going to be a
huge week here in China. But for many
here, it will already be seen as a
success. China is showing the world that
it has the ability to convene nations.
It has the ability to provide global
leadership and it has the ability to
provide alternatives at a time where
many see America as increasingly
unreliable.
And if there was ever proof that that
strategy is working, it is this. The
presence of India's Narendra Modi, they
share a bitter border dispute, intense
regional rivalry, and lately a distaste
for Donald Trump and his tactics.
>> Based on mutual trust, respect, and
sensitivity, we are committed to take
our relations forward.
>> Trump has levied tariffs of 50% on
India. They say he is the reason they're
here.
>> With Donald Trump coming in and telling
us who we should be friends with and how
we should be conducting our business and
with whom should we be conducting our
business, I think he has um created an
impetus for us to look for um other
friends um and cultivate relationships
that we might not have been keen on
repairing.
>> A cultural show rounded off the evening.
soft power tactics to mask a rockhard
political message about China and its
ability to lead. Ellen Smith, Sky News
in Tienjong.