Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined a roadmap for collaborative international relations during his keynote address at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, emphasizing the bloc's role in fostering stability across Eurasia. The speech, delivered to leaders from SCO member states, centered on advancing the "Shanghai Spirit" – a principle prioritizing mutual trust and shared development.
"The SCO must champion dialogue over confrontation," President Xi stated, highlighting opportunities for joint infrastructure projects and digital economy cooperation. He reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting smaller economies within the bloc through technology transfers and green energy initiatives.
Dr. Li Wei, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted the address "redefines multilateralism for the 21st century," adding that Xi's proposals could strengthen supply chain resilience among member states. The SCO, which represents over 40% of the global population, has seen increased interest from Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian nations seeking alternative economic partnerships.
Observers suggest the Tianjin summit positions the SCO as a crucial platform for addressing regional security challenges while creating new trade corridors linking Asia to Europe. With six new dialogue partners joining this year, the organization's growing influence reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics in the post-pandemic era.
