Xi’s Pablum and Power

China’s real message was on display in its military parade, not the empty pageantry of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Xi and Putin sit across from each other, seated at long tables in an ornately decorated great hall. Other officials and dignitaries sit beside them. Russian and Chinese flags hang against the far wall. September 3, 2025, 1:16 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Splendidly dressed dancers moved about the stage swiftly in a colorful performance as nearly 30 world leaders looked gravely on. Gathered in Tianjin for the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), these assembled dignitaries were also taking part in Beijing’s carefully choreographed pageantry. Their presence was meant to proclaim China’s glory as the center of t

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