TIANJIN, China –Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to adhere to the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit” as the bloc faces a rapidly changing global landscape.
Speaking at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, Xi emphasized that mutual trust, respect for diversity, and shared development are essential for maintaining regional peace and stability.
“The SCO has grown into the world’s largest regional organization, covering more than 50 areas of cooperation and encompassing 26 countries,” Xi said. “Its strength lies in our commitment to dialogue, equality, and consultation values enshrined in the Shanghai Spirit.”
Xi recalled that from its founding 24 years ago, the SCO has prioritized turning borders into bonds of friendship, combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and settling differences through dialogue rather than confrontation. He highlighted the organization’s achievements in promoting law enforcement cooperation, multilateral security initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges across member states.
Looking ahead, Xi outlined five priorities for the SCO to safeguard peace and foster solidarity: Seek common ground while shelving differences – member states should respect one another’s perspectives and build consensus, promote mutual benefit and win-win outcomes – coordinated economic development and Belt and Road cooperation can strengthen regional stability, champion openness and inclusiveness – cross-cultural exchanges and partnerships at subnational levels will reinforce trust among peoples, uphold fairness and justice – support multilateralism, oppose hegemonism, and safeguard an equitable international order, and ensure tangible results and efficiency – reform institutional structures, enhance decision-making, and expand cooperative initiatives such as SCO security and anti-drug centers.
President Xi also underscored the importance of economic and social connectivity, noting that over 14,000 kilometers of international transport routes now link SCO member states, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and collaboration.
“The Shanghai Spirit has guided us through challenges and will continue to guide our path forward,” Xi said. “By respecting diversity, promoting fairness, and working together, we can ensure lasting peace, security, and shared prosperity in our region.”
The SCO, which includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries, has evolved into a platform for both security cooperation and sustainable development, with leaders using the Tianjin summit to reinforce the organization’s role as a stabilizing force in Eurasia.
