
Tianjin [China], July 16 (ANI): Chinese Foreign Minister and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Wang Yi, during a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, proposed five key suggestions for the SCO’s future development, emphasizing the need to strengthen its role amid global turbulence.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the meeting along with foreign ministers from other SCO member states.
In a statement issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang outlined a vision for the SCO aimed at guiding the organization through a period of accelerating global changes, where multipolarity and economic globalization are deepening, even as challenges such as hegemony, protectionism, and regional conflicts persist.
“At present, the century-old changes are accelerating, and turbulence and change are intertwined and resonating. The world is becoming more multipolar, and economic globalization is deepening, and the Global South is growing significantly. At the same time, hegemony and power are going against the trend, protectionism is surging, and regional conflicts are emerging one after another,” Wang said. “Under the new situation, member states should form a further consensus on strengthening the construction of the SCO in a responsible attitude toward history and the future,” he added.
Wang proposed that the SCO remain true to its original aspirations by carrying forward the “Shanghai Spirit,” share the responsibility of safety and security, ensure mutual benefit and win-win cooperation as the driving force of development, act as friendly and good neighbors, and stick to the right path while defending fairness and justice.
On the Shanghai Spirit, Wang described it as rooted in mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and the pursuit of common development — calling it the “root” and “soul” of the SCO. He urged member states to carry forward this spirit to enhance the SCO’s cohesion, effectiveness, and appeal, making it a model of fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.
Regarding security, Wang addressed ongoing threats from terrorism, separatism, and extremism — the so-called “three forces” — as well as emerging security challenges. He expressed deep concern over the situation in the Middle East, particularly the infringement on Iran’s sovereignty, and stressed the need for the SCO to respond effectively.
On development, Wang underscored it as the “hard truth” and the key to solving problems, proposing the SCO tap into its potential in trade and investment, interconnection, technological innovation, green industries, and the digital economy to achieve sustainable, inclusive growth.
Calling for good neighborliness, Wang encouraged member states to build a “beautiful home” together, recognizing that good relations are the foundation of development and prosperity.
Finally, on fairness and justice, he urged the SCO to defend the authority and role of the United Nations, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world, promote inclusive globalization, uphold common human values, and construct a more just and reasonable global governance system, particularly in the face of some nations prioritizing selfish interests.
Wang concluded by thanking member states for supporting China’s rotating presidency and expressed confidence that the Tianjin Summit, scheduled for August 31 to September 1, would be a complete success, propelling the SCO into a new stage of high-quality development.
Along with EAM Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev, and Executive Committee Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure Ruslan Sharsheyev.
The meeting prepared for the Tianjin Summit and signed several resolutions, including the draft Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State and the draft development strategy of the SCO for the next ten years. (ANI)