Group bearing ‘greater responsibilities’ in safeguarding peace and stability, boosting development

President Xi Jinping said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is shouldering greater responsibilities for safeguarding regional peace and stability, and for boosting common development at a time when the world faces mounting uncertainty and unpredictability.

Xi made the remarks as he and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a banquet on Aug 31 in the port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests attending the SCO Summit 2025.

Known since ancient times as a gateway to Beijing, Tianjin has long been recognized for its openness and inclusiveness, and it has been a pioneer in China’s reform and opening-up.

“In recent years, Tianjin has implemented the national strategy of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development, and written its new and dynamic chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. We believe that as the host of this summit, Tianjin will give fresh impetus to the sustainable development of our organization,” Xi told the guests.

Founded in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO has expanded from a six-member regional organization into a trans-regional organization with 10 full members, two observer countries, and 14 dialogue partners, representing nearly half of the world’s population and a quarter of the global economy.

Xi said that since its inception, the organization has upheld the Shanghai Spirit, with the core values of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity, and pursuit of common development.

The SCO has consolidated unity and mutual trust, deepened practical cooperation, and participated in international and regional affairs, Xi said.

As a result, the grouping has grown into a significant force in promoting a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

At present, the century-defining transformation is accelerating across the world, with a marked increase in factors of instability, uncertainty, and unpredictability. The SCO thus bears an even greater responsibility for maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting the development and prosperity of all countries, Xi said.

Building consensus

He emphasized that this year’s summit in Tianjin carried the important mission of building consensus, injecting new impetus into cooperation, and charting a blueprint for future growth.

Member states adopted key documents, including the organization’s development strategy for the next decade, during the summit.

Xi also used the summit to unveil China’s new measures and actions to support the SCO’s high-quality development and all-around cooperation, while outlining pathways for the organization to contribute constructively to safeguarding the post-World War II international order and enhancing the global governance system.

“I am confident that with the collective efforts of all parties, this summit will be a complete success and the SCO will play an even greater role, achieve greater development, and make a greater contribution to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the member states, pooling the strength of the Global South, and promoting the cause of human advancement,” he said.

In his toast, Xi cited a Chinese saying that “in a race of a hundred boats, those who row the hardest will lead”.

“Let us uphold the Shanghai Spirit and set out from Tianjin on a new voyage filled with hope toward an even brighter future!” he said.

At the summit, Xi chaired the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, as well as the “SCO Plus” Meeting, delivering keynote speeches with a focus on deepening cooperation within the organization and strengthening its role in global governance.

Xi has attended every SCO summit since taking office, putting forward key initiatives and promoting joint efforts that have kept the Shanghai Spirit vibrant.

Chairing the SCO summit for the first time in Qingdao, Shandong province, in June 2018, Xi reviewed the organization’s development and achievements and emphasized that the Shanghai Spirit serves as a shared asset for all member states.

“The Shanghai Spirit, transcending outdated concepts such as the clash of civilizations, Cold War mentality and zero-sum mindset, has opened a new chapter in international relations, and won growing recognition from the global community,” Xi said.

At each SCO summit since 2013, Xi has underscored the profound relevance of the Shanghai Spirit while continually enriching and expanding its meaning.

Guided by this philosophy, the SCO has pioneered a new model of regional cooperation that brings together nations with diverse social systems and development paths.

This partnership advocates nonalignment, nonconfrontation, and not targeting any third party, offering a model for a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.

Owing to the practice of these principles, the SCO has been growing steadily, exuding robust vitality. What began in 2001 with six member states — China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan — has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus.

Comprising these 10 member states, two observer states, and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa, the SCO boasts a 26-nation “big family”. It is now the world’s largest regional international organization in terms of geographical area and population.

“The increasing number of countries seeking to join the SCO family reflects the broad appeal of its principles and strong confidence in its future,” Xi said.

He emphasized that as the organization continues to grow, it stands ready to collaborate with all progressive forces around the world in contributing to global peace, promoting international development, and upholding the international order.

The SCO was established initially to address shared security challenges. Over time, it has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering a peaceful and stable environment that supports the development of all its member states.

Deepening cooperation

Since assuming the SCO rotating presidency last July, China has facilitated several key events, including meetings of the SCO Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, and of leading officials of border defense authorities, and a joint antiterrorism exercise.

Guided by Xi and leaders of other SCO member states, practical cooperation among SCO countries has also intensified in the economic sphere. The alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and development strategies of various sides has been accelerated, alongside cooperation in emerging fields such as cross-border e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and big data.

The expanded cooperation has yielded tangible results. Statistics show that trade between China and other SCO countries reached a record $890 billion in 2024.

Xi has also consistently championed cultural and educational exchanges within the SCO, while also taking initiatives to strengthen people-to-people bonds across the region.

Xi has made use of the SCO events as a platform to call for fairness and justice in global affairs.

“We firmly oppose hegemonic, high-handed and bullying acts, and promote a more equal and balanced multipolar world,” Xi told foreign ministers and heads of permanent bodies of the SCO in Beijing in July.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the founding of the United Nations. Yet, the world today is confronted with unilateralism, bullying, and revival of power politics.

In view of this critical juncture, Xi has on multiple occasions underscored China’s commitment to promoting the correct historical perspective on World War II, deepening coordination within multilateral frameworks, and jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice.

This reflects the shared aspiration of the SCO member states, spelled out in an April statement voicing support for an open world economy, a clear rebuke to unilateral tariffs and protectionism.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn