Xi Jinping Advocates Fairness and Cooperation at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

At an assembly of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Xi Jinping, the president of China, emphasized the importance of promoting fairness and justice on the global stage, as well as the value of mutual economic and cultural collaboration. This important meeting of SCO leaders happened on a recent Monday in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin. The crowd of leaders included representatives from Russia, Belarus, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, all of whom delivered speeches.

Xi Jinping’s spotlight speech contained an earnest plea for states to hold onto fairness and justice, participate in multilateral endeavors, and promote a comprehensive approach to economic globalization and a balanced world governance system. Xi suggested that the SCO members stand against a return to cold war-era attitudes, hegemony, bloc confrontation, and strong-arm tactics, while also promoting a correct perspective of The Second World War’s history.

In his discourse, Xi insisted that the states should remain committed to an international frame of reference with the United Nations at its center, and upholding the multilateral trade system where the World Trade Organization holds a central position. Meanwhile, Belarus’ President, Alexander Lukashenko, claimed that the world is undergoing a transformation from a unipolar world to a just, multipolar system. His assertion supported the ever-changing nature of the international order, which is currently undergoing a challenging phase.

Xi Jinping proposed the establishment of a development bank for SCO, hoping for a swift execution of this concept. This financial institution would bolster both the economic collaboration and security of SCO member states. In line with these ambitions, the Chinese President announced China’s intention to roll out over 100 ‘small and beautiful’ projects, allocating a substantial 2 billion yuan (US$280 million) of grant aid to fellow SCO nations within the year.

Furthermore, Xi promised an additional financial commitment of 10 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion) in loans over a forthcoming three-year period for the SCO Interbank Consortium members, a cooperative alliance comprising of major banks. Lukashenko echoed this sentiment by suggesting an urgent need for an independent financial arm within the SCO structure that can fund cross-border initiatives, foster the use of native currencies in trade, and relieve the strain of sanctions.

Xi emphasized fostering harmony and mutual respect among member states, while also celebrating their individual differences. He portrayed all SCO nations as nothing less than partners and allies. To further strengthen cooperation, he suggested multiple areas of focus, such as green industries, energy, infrastructure, digital economies, scientific innovation, and artificial intelligence.

With an aim to endorse mutual benefits and shared success, Xi advocated for joint efforts in constructing the Belt and Road Initiative. He believed the cooperation could harness the extensive scope and complementary economies of the SCO. Xi also commented on the historic cultural exchange of knowledge among nations and urged members to understand each other better in pursuit of mutually beneficial coexistence.

As part of his commitment to human resources development, Xi pledged the establishment of 10 Luban Workshops within SCO member countries over the next half-decade. These courses are expected to provide 10,000 training positions. In addition, starting the upcoming year, China intends to double the number of exclusive SCO scholarships, administer an inventive doctoral training program, and jointly nurture noteworthy academic and scientific talent.

Addressing the Ukrainian crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed its causation to a Western-induced coup in the country and perceived attempts to incorporate Ukraine into NATO as one of the primary instigators of the conflict. Putin underlined the need to eradicate the conflict’s root causes and strive for a secure and sustainable resolution.

In the pursuit of peace, Putin lauded the psychoactive responses from China, India, and other strategic partners aimed at smoothing the path to solving the crisis. In his view, such international collaboration and concord are pivotal to resolving the ongoing issue.

Xi Jinping praised the SCO as an emerging force in global peace and development, instrumental in combating the ‘triple threats’ of terrorism, secessionism, and radical extremism. With 26 cooperating members and collaborative efforts in over 50 sectors, the SCO has grown into the world’s most extensive regional organization, with its shared economic output nearing US$30 trillion.

Xi expressed admiration for SCO’s increasing international influence and appeal, and the vital role it plays in a world full of trials and tribulations. He stressed the importance of carrying forward the ‘Shanghai spirit’, a spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of shared development.