Astana, Kazakhstan — At the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers’ meeting on Friday, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun highlighted the global benefits of China’s initiatives, asserting their role in enhancing the well-being of people worldwide.
In his speech, Dong noted that the world is undergoing rapid changes unseen in a century. He emphasized that, stemming from the common interests of humanity, President Xi Jinping has proposed several key initiatives, including the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative. These initiatives, according to Dong, represent a collective pursuit of a better world.
“The region and the SCO were among the first to witness these ideas and initiatives being transformed into concrete projects,” Dong stated. He praised the SCO for becoming a community with a shared future characterized by mutual assistance and a constructive force in safeguarding equity and justice.
Dong called on the SCO to set an example of solidarity and cooperation amidst increasing instability in global governance. He urged member states to promote dialogue for peace in the face of complex conflicts and disputes and to become guardians of common security against intertwined and interconnected security challenges.
Highlighting China’s commitment to high-quality development, Dong assured that China will provide more opportunities for countries worldwide. He expressed China’s readiness to work with regional countries to implement the GSI and promote common security through shared development.
“Regional countries are at a critical stage of development and revitalization,” Dong remarked. “They call for development, aspire to stability, and depend on security.”
Dong stressed the need to uphold solidarity and mutual trust, share weal and woe, and seek common ground while resolving differences. He encouraged SCO member states to jointly build an SCO community of security for all that is more stable, resilient, open, inclusive, and influential. By improving cooperation mechanisms, expanding military cooperation at higher levels, forming greater anti-terrorism synergy, and promoting more extensive youth exchanges, Dong believes the SCO can provide a strong guarantee for safeguarding common interests and contribute significantly to regional and world peace.
During the meeting, defense leaders of SCO member states reviewed the cooperation achievements since last year and expressed their willingness to strengthen strategic communication, advance practical cooperation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. A joint communique was issued following the meeting.
While in Kazakhstan, Dong met separately with defense ministers of Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. During these meetings, he exchanged views on international and regional situations, bilateral military relations, and issues of common concern.
Reference(s):
Defense minister: China-proposed initiatives benefit people worldwide
cgtn.com
