China to Promote Shanghai Spirit at Upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin

In a significant upcoming event, President Xi Jinping is set to meet with leaders from more than 20 nations and 10 international organizations at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit scheduled for August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin. This summit has been highlighted by Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin as the largest assembly since the organization's inception 24 years ago, and it will focus on enhancing collaboration and establishing a coherent vision for the SCO.

During the summit, Xi will preside over the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO and a "SCO Plus" Meeting, where he is expected to deliver keynote speeches and host a welcome banquet alongside bilateral discussions with attending leaders. Liu noted that Xi's agenda includes presenting China’s new insights and proposals to advance the Shanghai Spirit, which is characterized by principles such as mutual trust, equality, and respect for diverse civilizations.

Furthermore, the discussions will lead to the signing of the Tianjin Declaration, the approval of a strategic development plan for the SCO over the next decade, and a collective statement commemorating the 80th anniversary of significant historical events such as the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the establishment of the United Nations. Liu emphasized the importance of the SCO in fostering security and economic partnerships amidst a backdrop of growing global complexities, asserting that international unity is crucial for addressing common challenges.

China aims to use the Tianjin Summit as a pivotal moment to solidify political alliances among SCO members, reinforcing cooperation and coordinating collective responses to unpredictable global circumstances. Since its establishment in 2001, the SCO has expanded its membership, now encompassing nearly half of the world’s population and a significant portion of global GDP, expanding its role as a major player in international affairs.

Experts, including Chen Yu from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, have expressed that the SCO summit could positively influence the global situation by encouraging a multipolar world and enhancing the presence of developing countries in international relations. Additionally, researchers like Xue Tianhang from Zhejiang University have called for the SCO to maintain strategic focus and work collaboratively to introduce stability and positive momentum in response to the volatile international environment.