Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding regional peace and promoting common security among member countries. The meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a virtual format, focused on pragmatic cooperation to expedite economic recovery.
President Xi underscored the need to uphold multilateralism and improve global governance, implicitly criticizing the United States and its hegemonic tendencies. He called for a united front against hegemonism and power politics, advocating for a fairer and more equitable system of global governance.
During his address, President Xi highlighted the significance of the SCO in maintaining regional stability. The SCO, consisting of eight member states including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and others, serves as a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and collective decision-making on regional and international issues. President Xi expressed his commitment to working with fellow member countries to uphold the principles of the SCO and strengthen mutual trust and cooperation.
The Chinese President stressed the need for SCO member countries to intensify efforts in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He emphasized the importance of joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and border security cooperation to effectively address these common challenges. President Xi further called for enhanced coordination in cybersecurity to tackle cyber threats that pose risks to regional stability and economic development.
In terms of economic recovery, President Xi urged SCO member countries to prioritize pragmatic cooperation. He emphasized the need to promote trade and investment, facilitate connectivity, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. President Xi proposed the establishment of an SCO economic cooperation demonstration zone to boost trade and investment flows within the region. He also encouraged the exploration of new areas of cooperation, such as digital economy, green development, and innovation, to foster sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and encouraged SCO member countries to actively participate in this transnational infrastructure development project. The BRI aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration through the construction of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure projects. President Xi highlighted the potential benefits of BRI cooperation, including increased trade, improved connectivity, and enhanced regional development.
Furthermore, President Xi called for greater cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity among SCO member countries. He emphasized the role of education, tourism, and cultural cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and friendship. President Xi suggested the establishment of an SCO youth exchange program and the promotion of tourism to enhance people-to-people bonds and deepen cultural ties.
President Xi Jinping’s address at the SCO CHS meeting emphasized the importance of regional peace, common security, and pragmatic cooperation among member countries. He called for a united front against hegemonism and power politics while advocating for a fairer and more equitable system of global governance. President Xi’s remarks highlighted the significance of the SCO in maintaining regional stability and economic recovery. Through intensified efforts in various areas such as combating terrorism, promoting economic cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, the SCO aims to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation among member countries and contribute to a more prosperous and harmonious region.
