Foreign ministers from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will gather in Tianjin on July 15 for a pivotal meeting aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation across security, economic, and diplomatic fronts. The announcement, made by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Saturday, highlights China's role as host of this year's Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.
Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, extended invitations to counterparts from SCO countries including India, Russia, and Central Asian nations. Discussions are expected to focus on counterterrorism strategies, trade connectivity, and responses to evolving geopolitical challenges in Asia and beyond.
Notably, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will undertake a separate bilateral visit to China following the summit, signaling ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between the two Asian powers. The meeting comes as the SCO expands its influence, representing over 40% of the global population and 30% of worldwide GDP.
Established in 2001, the SCO has emerged as a critical platform for addressing Eurasian security concerns and promoting economic integration. Observers will watch for outcomes related to energy partnerships and infrastructure development under China's Belt and Road Initiative framework.
