The SCO solution to a fractured world

BEIJING - The largest-ever summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will soon convene in China's northern port city of Tianjin, bringing together leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations and sending a stronger signal for global cooperation, development and shared future in an age of global uncertainties.

Since its founding in 2001, the SCO has focused its primary efforts on enhancing mutual trust and common security in the region. Against the backdrop of evolving global multipolarity, it has pioneered a new model of cooperation - partnership instead of alliance, dialogue rather than confrontation. Growing alongside an increasingly interconnected global economy, the organization has thrived as more and more countries seek peaceful development.

Gathering 10 member states, two observer states and 14 dialogue partners, the SCO now represents nearly half of the world's population, a quarter of the global landmass and about a quarter of global GDP.

Guided by common interests while addressing shared challenges, the SCO upholds the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development. This spirit remains the bedrock of the organization and continues to drive collective action.

In the face of security concerns, the SCO has acted effectively, advancing the new vision for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. The SCO has consistently spoken with one voice and taken the same stands on major regional and international concerns. Advocating political and peaceful solutions, the SCO always acts in the interest of global peace and development.

Economic cooperation has surged. In 2024, China's trade with other SCO members, observer states and dialogue partners reached a historic high of $890 billion. With complementary resources and growing regional connectivity, SCO countries enjoy immense untapped potential for further economic collaboration.

In the people-to-people area, the SCO countries forged closer ties. From cultural exchanges and tourist projects to youth, media and health cooperation, traditional friendship has deepened. Themed years of culture and tourism, along with the establishment of cultural centers, underscore the SCO's respect for diverse civilizations and strengthen the foundations of lasting cooperation.

Around the world today, geopolitical strife and the resurgence of unilateralism are battering the foundations of global peace and development. The world now faces a defining question: cooperation or confrontation, openness or isolation?

The SCO's strength lies in its commitment to genuine multilateralism. Abandoning the Cold War mentalities and outdated notions of geopolitical confrontation, it offers a valuable model in a world full of uncertainties and provides developing countries with guidance to explore their own development paths with peace and stability in focus.

With clear goals and a forward-looking vision, the upcoming Tianjin summit is expected to inject fresh momentum into regional development, chart a new course for the SCO, make greater contributions to regional stability and global prosperity as well as the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.