China has wrapped up its high-profile Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking a significant step in its efforts to assert global leadership. The summit, which gathered members from across Asia and beyond, aimed to bolster economic cooperation and political coordination. However, despite the high profile of the event, experts suggest that notable advancements in strategic relations with key member states such as India remain out of reach. This highlights the challenges China faces in aligning its vision with the ambitions of its international partners. The summit’s outcomes underscore the complexities of multilateral diplomacy, as countries seek to balance their national interests with broader regional cooperation. While the summit demonstrated China’s commitment to global engagement, the lack of tangible breakthroughs has raised questions about the effectiveness of its diplomatic strategies.