The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), commonly referred to as the SCO, was established 23 years ago. In the global context, although the SCO is a relatively "new" organization, it has made significant strides in fostering trust among member states in an effective, productive, and constructive manner over the past 23 years. Since its inception, the SCO has positioned itself as a "key player" in collaboratively addressing common threats and challenges to international security. The organization is founded on the principles of the "Shanghai Spirit, which emphasizes mutual trust, mutual interests, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and common development. Today, the SCO comprises ten member countries, two observer states, and 14 dialogue partners, making it the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographical scope and population.
Maintaining regional peace and security is the cornerstone of cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). In recent years, SCO member states have enhanced their collaboration to combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, as well as to address drug trafficking and safeguard security in both cyberspace and outer space. Additionally, a significant driving force behind the development of the SCO is the commitment to economic growth and practical cooperation. There has been a notable increase in trade and investment collaboration among SCO members.
Factors such as personnel exchanges and mutual learning have become increasingly important components of cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) over the years. The organization has witnessed the completion of various collaborative projects, including the 2024 "Chinese Bridge" Spring Camp for students from SCO member countries, which commenced in Xinjiang in April, and the establishment of the Alliance of SCO Agricultural Universities, which now facilitates the exchange of agricultural expertise among more than 20 universities from SCO member states. Additionally, the Belt and Road Initiative has fostered fruitful cooperation between China and other countries, enhancing connectivity and promoting socio-economic development in the region. This initiative symbolizes equality and mutually beneficial cooperation among nations and serves as a significant expression of the "Shanghai Spirit.
As one of the founding members, China has consistently committed to the development and promotion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), highlighting its significant role in advancing the organization's objectives. Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended every SCO heads of state summit since 2013, including live video conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he shared his insights and recommendations for strengthening SCO ties and fostering development. Xi Jinping also emphasized at this year's SCO Astana Summit that member states should fully support one another, consider each other's concerns, and resolve internal differences in a spirit of harmony. He urged members to set aside their differences and seek common ground to address cooperation challenges and the shared destiny of their countries and the region. Peace and development must be firmly placed in our own hands. Over the past 23 years, trade volume between China and SCO member states has increased more than twentyfold. The areas of cooperation within the SCO have expanded from security collaboration to encompass economic partnerships, public health initiatives, and cultural exchanges.
China's perspective on this matter of cooperation is clear” the sustainable development of any country is contingent upon the successful development of its neighboring countries. If your neighbor achieves financial success, you can benefit from it”. If the global community adopts this prudent approach, then the harmonious development of humanity will not merely be a dream but will become a tangible reality.