Xi Hails Solid Foundation of SCO, Warns of Real Threats and Risks

Historical Context: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in 2001 in Shanghai, China. It is a political, economic, and security alliance that initially included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization has since expanded to include India and Pakistan, with Belarus recently becoming a member. The SCO aims to promote regional cooperation and stability, counter-terrorism, and economic development.

Article: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of security and development during the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held at the Independence Palace in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 4, 2024. Xi urged SCO members to counter real threats stemming from Cold War mentalities and to protect development rights against the “small yard, high fences” mindset.

During the summit, Belarus was officially inducted as a member, highlighting the growing influence and appeal of the SCO amid escalating geopolitical tensions and protectionism led by some Western nations. Following the summit, China will assume the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024 and 2025.

Xi called for the creation of a shared home characterized by solidarity, mutual trust, peace, prosperity, good-neighborliness, and justice. He encouraged SCO members to exchange governance experiences and proposed holding an SCO political party forum.

Xi stressed the need for a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security to address complex security challenges through dialogue and coordination. He advocated for a win-win approach to navigate the changing international landscape and build a world of lasting peace and universal security.

The SCO summit took place against a backdrop of rising global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and protectionism. The leaders of SCO member states called for the establishment of a multipolar world to address these pressing security risks and challenges. They emphasized that unilateral sanctions violate international law and harm global economic relations.

Experts highlighted the importance of strengthened unity and cooperation among SCO members to ensure security and advance development, not just within the organization but also in the broader developing world. The SCO has been proactive in addressing transnational challenges and threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration in economic and technological fields.

China has played a significant role in the SCO, contributing to both security and economic cooperation. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have synergized with the SCO agenda, promoting infrastructure development, trade, and investment across the Eurasian region. China also advocates for cultural exchanges, interstate diplomacy, and environmental cooperation within the SCO.

The SCO, established in Shanghai in 2001, is the only intergovernmental organization named after a Chinese city. Xi Jinping has consistently attended SCO summits, underscoring China’s commitment to the organization. China has also proposed the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, aligning with the aspirations of SCO members and the broader international community for peace and development.

In addition to attending the SCO summit, Xi paid a state visit to Kazakhstan and was scheduled to visit Tajikistan, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Historical Context: SCO established in 2001 in Shanghai, China; aims for regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, and economic development.
• Xi’s Emphasis: Security and development in the face of Cold War mentalities and protectionism.
• Belarus Membership: Highlights SCO’s growing influence amid geopolitical tensions.
• China’s Presidency: China to assume rotating presidency of SCO for 2024-2025.
• Call for Unity: Xi advocates for solidarity, mutual trust, and comprehensive security.
• Multipolar World: SCO leaders call for a multipolar world to address global security risks.
• China’s Role: Significant contributions to SCO’s security and economic cooperation.
• Belt and Road Initiative: Promotes infrastructure, trade, and investment in Eurasia.
• Cultural and Diplomatic Efforts: China emphasizes cultural exchanges and interstate diplomacy.
• Xi’s Commitment: Consistent attendance at SCO summits; proposals for global initiatives.
• State Visits: Xi’s visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan to strengthen bilateral ties.