WATCH LIVE: Xi Jinping delivers keynote speech at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit

Summary

The speech highlights the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) 24-year journey, emphasizing the 'Shanghai Spirit' of mutual trust, equality, and respect for diversity. It underscores the organization's achievements in security, economic development, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. The speaker stresses the importance of shared goals, mutual benefit, openness, fairness, and efficiency, while advocating for regional cooperation, global governance, and multilateralism. China’s contributions, including investments, trade, scholarships, and development projects, are showcased as part of fostering prosperity and stability. The address calls on member states to strengthen solidarity, uphold cooperation, and work toward a shared, sustainable future for the region and humanity.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was founded 24 years ago on principles of mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for diversity, and pursuit of common development.
• 🤝 SCO member states have consistently shared opportunities and achieved historic milestones in regional cooperation.
• 🛡️ The organization pioneered military confidence-building mechanisms and took early multilateral actions against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
• 🚄 SCO launched Belt and Road cooperation, implementing major and livelihood-focused projects, and enhancing trade and investment connectivity.
• 💰 China's cumulative trade with SCO countries has surpassed $2.3 trillion, with nearly 14,000 km of international transport routes operational.
• 🌐 SCO promotes global governance through multilateralism, inclusiveness, and international fairness, collaborating with the UN and other organizations.
• 🤲 Key strategic directions include seeking common ground, promoting mutual benefit, championing openness and inclusiveness, upholding fairness and justice, and striving for efficiency.
• 💡 SCO emphasizes cooperation in energy, infrastructure, green industry, digital economy, AI, scientific innovation, and modernization for shared regional prosperity.
• 🎓 China contributes through investments, scholarships, PhD programs, Luban workshops, and training initiatives to strengthen talent and capacity across SCO countries.
• 🌟 The overarching goal is to promote lasting peace, stability, development, and a community with a shared future for humanity in line with SCO’s founding mission.

Q & A

What is the 'Shanghai Spirit' that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was founded upon?

The 'Shanghai Spirit' refers to the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. These values have guided the SCO's initiatives and cooperation over the years.

What are some of the key achievements of the SCO since its founding?

Key achievements of the SCO include the establishment of a military confidence-building mechanism, multilateral actions against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, as well as the initiation of Belt and Road cooperation that has led to significant trade, infrastructure, and investment developments across member states.

How has China contributed to the SCO's development?

China has significantly contributed to the SCO through investments exceeding $84 billion USD, a robust trade partnership surpassing $500 billion annually, and major projects like the Belt and Road initiative. China also plans to invest in 100 small and beautiful livelihood projects and offer funding, scholarships, and training opportunities to strengthen SCO cooperation.

How does the SCO aim to address the challenges of regional peace and stability?

The SCO focuses on enhancing strategic communication, building consensus, and promoting cooperation among member states. By addressing regional challenges through mutual respect and joint efforts, the organization strives to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

What areas does the SCO focus on for mutual benefit and cooperation?

The SCO emphasizes aligning development strategies, strengthening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, green industries, digital economy, scientific innovation, and artificial intelligence, to foster regional economic growth and shared prosperity.

What is the significance of the SCO's commitment to openness and inclusiveness?

The SCO aims to foster mutual understanding and friendship among member states through people-to-people exchanges. It advocates for economic cooperation that supports cultural diversity and creates a harmonious environment for all civilizations to thrive.

How does the SCO plan to uphold fairness and justice in global governance?

The SCO supports a multilateral trading system, opposes the Cold War mentality, and promotes a fair global order. It advocates for a multipolar world where countries are treated equitably and the global governance system is more just and inclusive.

What are the proposed reforms and actions to increase the SCO's efficiency?

The SCO plans to reform its institutional structures, improve decision-making, and enhance its operational efficiency. This includes setting up centers like the SCO Universal Counter-Terrorism Center and Anti-Drug Center, and establishing an SCO Development Bank to support economic and security cooperation.

How will China continue to support the development of the SCO in the future?

China plans to invest in livelihood projects, offer $2 billion in grants, issue $10 billion in loans, and create new educational and training opportunities within the SCO. These initiatives aim to strengthen the organization’s capacity to address both regional and global challenges.

What is the broader vision for the future of the SCO and the global community?

The SCO envisions a future where member states continue to seek common ground, uphold fairness, promote mutual development, and strengthen international cooperation. The ultimate goal is to build a community with a shared future for humanity, focusing on peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide.