At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) leaders’ meeting in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address emphasizing the need for member nations to resist Western hegemony and promote a more equitable international system. Xi called on the SCO to continue opposing ‘hegemonism and power politics,’ a stance that has been central to China’s foreign policy in recent years. The Chinese leader invoked what he called the ‘Shanghai spirit’ of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of shared development.
Xi’s address was met with strong support from other SCO members, including Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian states. The Chinese leader praised the progress made by the SCO since its founding in 2001 and outlined new priorities, such as opposing the Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and bullying practices often attributed to Western policies. He emphasized the need for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, while calling for a more just and equitable global governance system.
Xi also highlighted the SCO’s significant economic contributions, noting that its collective output has reached $30 trillion and that its global influence is expanding. He pointed out that China’s cumulative trade with SCO nations has surpassed $2.3 trillion, including key projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese leader pledged further investments in education, scientific research, and engineering skills to ensure sustainable growth. Over 20 nations from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, along with representatives from the UN and ASEAN, are participating in the Chinese-hosted gathering, underscoring the SCO’s growing importance in global affairs.