Tianjin: SCO Summit, August 31 – September 1

The most significant SCO summit in history was convened in Tianjin on 31 August. For the People's Republic of China, this event constitutes a significant annual diplomatic occasion, serving as a prominent display of its foreign policy. The SCO has undergone significant expansion since its inception, growing from an association of six countries to encompass ten members, two observers and fourteen dialogue partners over the span of 24 years. At present, the "SCO family" comprises 26 states across three continents and purports to be the most comprehensive regional organisation in the world.
A delegation comprising over twenty leaders and representatives of ten international organisations, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, visited Tianjin. This marks the fifth occasion on which China has played host to such a meeting, and the scale of this event has exceeded that of all previous meetings.
In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping observed that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, which provides an important opportunity to honour the past and open up the future. He emphasised that 80 years prior, the international community, cognisant of the cataclysmic events of the two world wars, established the United Nations, thereby inaugurating a novel epoch in global governance. Despite the passage of time, the Cold War mentality, power politics and protectionism, as well as novel threats and challenges, persist. The contemporary world is on the cusp of a new era characterised by turbulence, and the governance of the global community finds itself at a critical juncture.
He posited that history has demonstrated the importance of maintaining the objectives of peaceful coexistence and confidence in mutually beneficial cooperation, in addition to following the logic of historical progress and the trends of the era, particularly during periods of difficulty.
Xi Jinping proposed an initiative on global governance with the aim of establishing a fairer and more rational system in collaboration with all countries, and promoting the idea of a community with a shared future for mankind. The key principles of this initiative were subsequently outlined by the speaker. The principle of sovereign equality is predicated on the notion that all countries, irrespective of their size and economic power, should have an equal right to participate in and benefit from global governance. This approach is in accordance with international law, which stipulates the necessity of adhering to the principles outlined in the UN Charter and international norms. It is imperative to refrain from the implementation of double standards and the imposition of internal regulations. This is multilateralism, a concept defined by the strengthening of joint consultations, the construction and utilisation of global resources, the opposition of unilateralism, and the upholding of the authority of the UN. This approach is people-centred, in the sense that the reform of the global governance system should ensure the participation of all countries, reduce the gap between the Global North and the Global South, and protect common interests. This is an action orientation, in which systemic planning, coordination of actions and practical cooperation are important to achieve tangible results. The Chinese President also made note of the role of the SCO in the strengthening of peace and stability, as well as in the implementation of the global governance initiative: "An organisation that maintains the 'Shanghai Spirit' of mutual trust, equality and common development demonstrates a constructive influence on global governance." The necessity of regional security, adherence to the principles of non-alignment and non-confrontation, countering threats and building a stable regional security community was emphasised. In the economic sphere, the SCO member states, with their abundant resources and powerful markets, continue to contribute to the growth of the world economy, thereby supporting the openness and inclusiveness of globalisation. According to him, China is prepared to distribute the benefits of its substantial market and initiate collaborative endeavours in the domains of energy, green industry, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, and education. Over the next five years, major projects are planned in the field of renewable energy and cooperation in artificial intelligence, as well as participation in international space projects.
The Chinese President emphasised the significance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, intercivilisational exchange, and the consolidation of universal values. The People's Republic of China is prepared to initiate medical and humanitarian programmes for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries, encompassing operations and disease screening procedures.
The Chinese President observed that in the domain of international justice, China and the SCO member states will persist in countering hegemony and power politics, supporting multilateralism and promoting the formation of a multipolar world. The ongoing collaboration with international organisations, including the UN, ASEAN, the EAEU, and the CICA, is poised to enhance global and regional governance.

Xi Jinping has announced that within two days' time, the capital city of China will play host to a commemorative event, marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, as well as the conclusion of the Second World War. The People's Republic of China stands prepared to collaborate with its international partners in order to fulfil its international obligations, uphold historical truth, and ensure that global governance reforms and the establishment of a community with a shared future for mankind deliver tangible benefits.
In the context of the Summit, the Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was adopted. This document reflects the collective position of member countries on key issues of global and regional security, development and reform of the international order.
In the declaration, the SCO leaders noted the profound historical changes affecting all spheres of life and reaffirmed their desire to create a more just and multipolar world order. Concurrently, the necessity of addressing the escalation of geopolitical confrontation and security threats, including within the SCO region, is emphasised. The year 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II and the establishment of the United Nations. Member States have issued a call for the preservation of historical memory and have reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter. They have emphasised the necessity for the organisation to be reformed in a manner that more accurately represents developing countries. The declaration reaffirms their commitment to the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs and non-use of force. Member States have expressed opposition to both bloc and confrontational approaches, and have voiced support for the concept of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia. The declaration signifies the commitment to the "Shanghai Spirit" principles, which encompass mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultations, respect for cultural diversity, and the aspiration for joint development. It was also noted that the initiative to develop a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century had been noted. The member states issued a call to the international community, inviting its participation in the SCO Initiative "On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony and Development" and requesting support for the adoption of a special resolution of the UN General Assembly "Decade for the Strengthening of Peace for Future Generations". It was observed that Central Asia constitutes the core of the SCO, and the endeavours of the Central Asian states aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability in the region are endorsed. It was acknowledged that the international conference "Central Asia - the Core of the SCO: 25 Years of Cooperation for Joint Development" was of significant importance. The SCO Development Strategy until 2035 was adopted, delineating priority tasks and principal domains for deepening multifaceted cooperation in the interests of ensuring peace and stability, development and prosperity in the SCO space.
The member states confirmed their determination to continue the joint fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, arms smuggling and other types of transnational organised crime. The Agreement on the Universal Center for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security of the SCO Member States and the Agreement on the SCO Anti-Drug Center were both signed. It was observed that the initiative to establish the Center for Strategic Studies in the Sphere of Security had been noted. It was asserted that the commitment to respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms would be upheld, and that "double standards" in human rights issues and interference in the internal affairs of other states under the pretext of protecting them would be condemned. The member states expressed their readiness to develop effective cooperation between their defence ministries and noted the proposal to prepare and sign an agreement between the SCO member states on confidence-building measures in the military sphere. The member states called for further deepening of practical cooperation in combating drug trafficking, including the suppression of crimes involving information and communication technologies and the spread of new psychoactive substances. The member states expressed their support for the multilateral trading system and voiced their opposition to unilateral coercive measures, which they perceive as detrimental to international security and the economy. It was observed that the initiative to develop an agreement on trade facilitation within the SCO had been noted. The member states' stated aim is to promote cooperation in e-commerce, develop digital trade infrastructure, and bridge the gap between developed and developing countries in the digital economy. The proposal to develop a program for cooperation between the SCO member states in e-commerce was noted. The SCO summit in Tianjin served to underscore the mounting significance of the organisation as a pivotal platform for the enhancement of regional security, the promotion of multilateral cooperation, and the establishment of a equitable global governance system. China, in its capacity as a strategic leader and initiator of key initiatives, has demonstrated its ability to combine economic power, diplomatic influence and cultural interaction to promote stability and prosperity not only in Eurasia but also in the world as a whole. In this particular context, the meeting represented a significant milestone on the path towards establishing a more equitable, secure, and mutually beneficial global order.
GSR

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