Xi Focus: Carrying forward Shanghai Spirit with renewed vitality

DEEPENING PRACTICAL COOPERATION

The SCO was established initially to address shared security challenges. Over time, it has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering a peaceful and stable environment that supports the development of all its member states.

Since assuming the SCO rotating presidency last July, China has facilitated several key events, including meetings of the SCO Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, and of leading officials of border defense authorities, and a joint anti-terrorism exercise.

Just over a month ago, the SCO Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs convened in Tianjin, where member states agreed to accelerate the establishment of four security centers dedicated to addressing issues including security threats and challenges, and drug offenses.

Guided by Xi and leaders of other SCO member states, practical cooperation among SCO countries in economic domains has intensified. The alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and development strategies of various sides has been accelerated, exemplified by projects such as the China-Belarus Industrial Park and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, alongside cooperation in emerging fields like cross-border e-commerce, artificial intelligence and big data.

Expanded cooperation in various areas has yielded tangible results. Official statistics show that trade between China and other SCO countries reached a record $890 billion in 2024.

Xi has also consistently championed cultural and educational exchanges within the SCO. In Kazakhstan, Chinese experts are collaborating with local archaeologists for the preservation of the ancient site of Rakhat; in Egypt, engineering students at Ain Shams University gain practical experience through training at a Luban Workshop.

Additional initiatives -- such as vocational skills competitions, snow football matches and youth camps -- have further strengthened people-to-people bonds across the region.