Xi Jinping Highlights SCO's Role in Security and Stability

Beijing, July 15, PTI: On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), emphasizing the need to strengthen mechanisms for responding to security threats and constructing a robust security framework. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined other ministers and representatives of the 10-member SCO as Xi outlined strategic aims prior to their gathering in Tianjin.

Highlighting the achievements over the past 24 years, Xi remarked on the SCO's maturity and vitality, crediting its adherence to the Shanghai Spirit. He underscored the importance of maintaining focus and confidence amidst a changing global landscape, urging the SCO to act proactively to foster stability and positive global energy.

Xi reiterated China's commitment to the SCO as a cornerstone of its neighborhood diplomacy, aiming to enhance the organization's strength, safeguard regional security, and promote prosperity among member states. The objective is to nurture a closer community with a shared future. The SCO has also developed the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) to tackle security and defense challenges.

Currently under China's rotating presidency, the SCO is poised for a summit in China's Tianjin later this year. Xi expressed his eagerness to engage with fellow leaders at the summit and discuss the organization's future trajectory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other SCO leadership are expected to attend the event, scheduled for August 30 to September 1, as confirmed by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

The SCO comprises 10 member states: China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. Since taking over the presidency last July, China has actively promoted activities and cooperation, striving to create a unified home for the SCO.

Xi urged member states to base their cooperation on mutual trust and equality and to respect diverse civilizations to foster inclusivity. Aligning development strategies and engaging in initiatives like the Belt and Road was identified as critical for achieving sustainable development. In a veiled reference to the US, Xi advocated for the opposition to hegemony and power politics, supporting a multipolar world order.

Xi called for joint consultation, construction, and sharing for inclusive globalization, and encouraged the SCO to lead the Global South toward fair global governance, building a community with a shared future for humanity.

In his capacity as Chair of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers, Wang Yi briefed on China's progress since assuming the presidency and preparations for the Tianjin Summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the SCO's achievements and emphasized the need for the organization to uphold multilateralism during complex international times.

All members expressed their commitment to supporting China as chair and voiced hopes for a successful Tianjin Summit, as remarked by Lavrov.