Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined a vision for strengthened cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members during the 25th Council of Heads of State meeting in Tianjin, emphasizing the group's role in shaping global governance and regional stability.
Reviving the Shanghai Spirit
President Xi highlighted the SCO's achievements since adopting the 'Shanghai Spirit' in 2001, noting the organization has facilitated $2.3 trillion in cumulative trade between China and member states. The China-Europe Railway Express, with over 110,000 completed trips, was cited as a key connectivity achievement.
Five-Point Roadmap for Progress
The Chinese leader proposed:
Enhanced consensus-building through strategic dialogue
Accelerated Belt and Road integration with 100 new livelihood projects
Expanded cooperation in AI, green energy, and digital infrastructure
Reforms to boost SCO decision-making efficiency
Establishment of an SCO development bank
Financial Commitments Announced
China pledged RMB 2 billion ($275 million) in immediate grants and plans to issue RMB 10 billion ($1.37 billion) in loans through SCO financial mechanisms. Educational initiatives include doubling scholarships and creating 10 vocational training centers across member states.
With the SCO now representing 26 countries and nearly $30 trillion in combined GDP, Xi called for upholding 'true multilateralism' and resisting 'Cold War mentality' in global affairs. The proposals aim to strengthen the organization's role as a counterbalance to Western-led economic and security architectures.
