Xi calls on SCO members to challenge Western dominance

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization must continue to oppose “hegemonism and power politics,” the Chinese leader has said

Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should continue to resist “hegemonism and power politics” to help build a fairer international system, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday as he opened the group’s summit in Tianjin.

Delivering a keynote speech to leaders and representatives of member and partner nations, Xi invoked what he called the “Shanghai spirit” of “mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of shared development.”

Xi praised the progress made by the SCO since its founding in 2001 and outlined new priorities. He said members must “oppose the Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and bullying practices” – terms often used by Beijing to criticize US and Western policies.

“We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and make the global governance system more just and equitable,” he added.

The Chinese leader also urged members to pursue win-win cooperation while respecting their national differences, strengthening exchanges between their peoples, and pushing for greater efficiency and evidence-based policymaking within the SCO.

The regional group’s collective economic output has reached $30 trillion, Xi noted, adding that its global influence was expanding accordingly. Members are working together to address challenges including security, environmental issues, and innovation, he added.

China’s cumulative trade with SCO nations has surpassed $2.3 trillion, Xi said, highlighting projects under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and other mechanisms. He pledged further investments, including in education and the training of scientific and engineering skills required to sustain future growth.

More than 20 nations from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are participating in the Chinese-hosted gathering, as well as representatives of leading international organizations, including the UN and ASEAN.

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