SCO at 25: Xi's Vision for a New Era of Regional Cooperation

As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) marks its 25th anniversary, the world finds itself at a critical crossroads. The 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, held in Bishkek on September 1, 2026, came at a time when geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and transnational threats are reshaping the global order. Against this backdrop, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a comprehensive address, calling for a renewed commitment to the "Shanghai Spirit" and outlining a strategic roadmap for the organization's next decade. His speech not only reaffirmed China's leadership role within the SCO but also signaled a broader vision for a multipolar world where regional cooperation can serve as a counterweight to unilateralism.

Key Takeaways from Xi's Address

• Development First for Shared Prosperity: Xi emphasized the need to promote inclusive and beneficial economic globalization, urging member states to consolidate traditional cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, and energy, while expanding into emerging fields like artificial intelligence, digital economy, green industries, and critical minerals. He announced China's commitment to host an international AI application cooperation center and to implement 100 joint science and technology projects with SCO countries over the next three years.

• Security as a Top Priority: The Chinese leader called for a comprehensive approach to both traditional and non-traditional security threats, including terrorism, separatism, extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and telecom fraud. He also stressed the importance of cooperation in information, biological, and outer space security, and expressed support for the early activation of the SCO's "four security centers" to enhance collective response capabilities.

• People-Centered Approach: Recognizing the region's rich cultural diversity, Xi advocated for strengthening people-to-people exchanges through legislative bodies, political parties, schools, think tanks, enterprises, and media. He announced the establishment of a China-SCO basic education cooperation center and pledged continued support for Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops as bridges for mutual learning and friendship.

• Dialogue and Consultation for Better Governance: Xi endorsed the principle of equality among all nations, regardless of size, and called for resolving differences through dialogue and consultation. He praised the "Samarkand Solidarity Initiative" and the "Initiative for Global Unity and Justice" proposed by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan respectively, and welcomed more like-minded countries to join the SCO as partners in regional and global governance.

• Support for Multilateralism: The Chinese president expressed support for enhancing the role of the United Nations and building a multipolar world, citing the "SCO+" meeting as a successful practice. He also reaffirmed China's willingness to strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional hot-spot issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, advocating for political solutions that address root causes.

Economic Integration Initiatives: To boost trade facilitation and logistics, Xi announced China's support for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor and the establishment of a China-SCO Port Economic Cooperation Center in Tianjin. He also invited member states to participate in the "Shared Market, Export to China" series of activities to tap into China's vast market opportunities.

Commitment to the Shanghai Spirit: Xi underscored the enduring relevance of the "Shanghai Spirit"—mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development—as the organization's most valuable asset. He called on members to uphold this spirit in implementing the SCO's 10-year development strategy for high-quality growth.

In-Depth Analysis

Xi's speech at the Bishkek summit reflects a strategic recalibration of the SCO's role in a rapidly changing world. The emphasis on "development first" and "security as a priority" signals China's intent to position the SCO as a key platform for implementing its Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative. This is particularly significant as the organization faces challenges from external powers seeking to contain China's rise and from internal dynamics that require consensus-building among diverse members.

The SCO's expansion—now including Iran and Belarus—has increased its geopolitical weight, but also brought new complexities. Xi's call for "dialogue and consultation" and "equal rights for all countries" suggests a pragmatic approach to managing these complexities, avoiding confrontation while promoting incremental cooperation. The focus on emerging fields like AI and green minerals indicates a forward-looking agenda that aligns with global trends toward digitalization and sustainability.

However, the SCO's effectiveness will depend on its ability to translate rhetoric into action. The establishment of new centers and forums is a positive step, but implementation will require sustained political will and resources. Moreover, the SCO's stance on hot-spot issues, particularly Ukraine, remains a delicate balancing act. Xi's reiteration of political solutions and "addressing both symptoms and root causes" reflects China's cautious diplomacy, which may not satisfy all members but helps maintain organizational cohesion.

Looking ahead, the SCO is poised to play a more prominent role in shaping regional order. As the world moves toward multipolarity, the SCO offers an alternative model of cooperation that is inclusive and non-confrontational. Its success will not only benefit its members but also contribute to a more balanced global governance architecture. China's leadership in this endeavor is clear, but the true test lies in whether the SCO can evolve beyond a forum for dialogue into a robust mechanism for collective action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 25th anniversary of the SCO?
A: The 25th anniversary marks a milestone for the SCO, which has grown into the world's largest regional organization by geography and population. It highlights the organization's achievements in promoting peace, security, and development, and sets the stage for its future direction under the new 10-year development strategy.

Q: How does China's vision for the SCO align with its global initiatives?
A: China's vision for the SCO is closely linked to its broader global initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative. The SCO serves as a regional platform where these initiatives can be implemented, fostering connectivity, economic growth, and security cooperation among member states.

Source: https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_33983122