TIANJIN, CHINA — Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Monday that China’s cumulative investment in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states has exceeded US$84 billion, with annual bilateral trade topping US$500 billion. Speaking at the 25th Council of Heads of State meeting, Xi framed these milestones as evidence of the bloc’s growing economic influence and Beijing’s role in driving regional development.
“We will take real actions to ensure not only China’s growth but also the shared prosperity of SCO nations,” Xi said.
Expanding Development Commitments
Xi outlined several new initiatives to deepen economic cooperation:
100 “Small and Beautiful” Livelihood Projects: Targeting local needs in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Financial Support: A 2 billion yuan grant this year and a 10 billion yuan loan facility over the next three years through the SCO Interbank Consortium to support cross-border investment.
Workforce Development: A doubling of SCO-specific scholarships, a new doctoral program, the establishment of 10 Luban workshops for vocational training, and 10,000 professional training opportunities for member states over the next five years.
SCO as a Rising Global Force
Xi highlighted the SCO’s evolution into the world’s largest regional organization, now comprising 26 member and partner countries with a combined GDP of nearly US$30 trillion. He credited the bloc’s success to the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, equality, consultation, and respect for diversity, and urged members to carry this spirit forward amid global challenges.
Push for Unity and Independence
Calling SCO nations “friends and partners,” Xi cautioned against “external forces” that could divide the bloc. He called for stronger strategic communication to reinforce the SCO’s independence from outside influence.
Belt and Road Synergy
Xi reiterated that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) remains central to SCO development. He pointed to opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy, noting that cumulative trade with SCO countries under the BRI has surpassed US$2.3 trillion.
Defense of Global Fairness
Positioning the SCO as a defender of a more equitable international system, Xi warned against “Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and bullying practices.” He urged reforms to global governance to make it “more just and equitable” and reaffirmed support for the United Nations.
Institutional Strengthening
Xi also called for the establishment of an SCO Development Bank to finance joint projects and emphasized the importance of the bloc’s counterterrorism and anti-drug centers.
Concluding his remarks, Xi invoked a Chinese proverb—”Where will prevails, no boundary holds”—urging SCO nations to stay true to their founding vision and “march toward a brighter tomorrow of a community with a shared future for humanity.”
