Bear in Mind Our Original Aspiration and Mission, and Usher in a Bright Future — Speech at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Dear Colleagues:

Twenty-four years ago, immediately upon its establishment, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization enshrined the “Shanghai Spirit”—mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. Over the past 24 years, member states have remained true to this original vision, sharing opportunities and jointly pursuing development, thereby advancing the organization’s institutional building and cooperation and achieving a series of groundbreaking results and historic accomplishments.

We took the lead in establishing confidence-building mechanisms in the military domain along the border, transforming the vast and sprawling frontier into a bond of friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation. We were among the first to launch multilateral initiatives to combat the “three evil forces,” steadily advanced law-enforcement and security cooperation, appropriately managed and resolved disputes and differences, unequivocally opposed external interference, and thereby safeguarded regional peace and stability.

We took the lead in launching cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with a large number of landmark projects and “small but beautiful” livelihood initiatives taking root and delivering tangible benefits. Industrial investment cooperation has been actively advanced, further bolstering the momentum for regional development and prosperity. The target I set—namely, that China’s cumulative trade with other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization would exceed US$2.3 trillion—was achieved ahead of schedule. A multi-dimensional connectivity network has been further enhanced: nearly 14,000 kilometers of international road transport routes have been opened among member states, and the cumulative number of China–Europe Railway Express services has surpassed 110,000.

We took the lead in concluding a long-term Treaty of Good-Neighborly and Friendly Cooperation, solemnly declaring that our countries will enjoy friendship for generations to come and never be enemies. We established and fully leveraged mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Committee on Good-Neighborly and Friendly Cooperation, built a network of people-to-people friendly exchanges, and expanded cooperation in areas including local governments, media, think tanks, women’s groups, and youth organizations, thereby fostering closer ties and greater mutual understanding among the peoples of all member states.

We were the first to put forward the vision of global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and we are committed to practicing true multilateralism. We have deepened cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations, engaged constructively in international and regional affairs, consistently stood on the side of international equity and justice, championed cultural inclusiveness and mutual learning, opposed hegemony and power politics, and played a positive role in promoting world peace and development.

Dear colleagues!

At present, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has grown into the world’s largest regional organization, with the participation of 26 member states, cooperation spanning more than 50 fields, and a combined economic output approaching US$30 trillion, while its international influence and appeal continue to strengthen.

Looking back, despite turbulent times, we have achieved success by upholding the “Shanghai Spirit.” Looking ahead, as the world remains fraught with upheaval and change, we must continue to adhere to the “Shanghai Spirit,” stay grounded, forge ahead with determination, and further enhance the organization’s functions.

First, we must uphold the principle of seeking common ground while setting aside differences. Shared aspirations are a source of strength and advantage, while the ability to seek common ground while respecting differences reflects broad-mindedness and wisdom. The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are all friends and partners; they should respect one another’s differences, maintain strategic communication, build collective consensus, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, expand the scope of cooperation, make the best use of each country’s respective strengths, and jointly shoulder the responsibility of promoting peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.

Second, we must uphold mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. We will deepen the alignment of development strategies, jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative with high quality, and, through extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, strengthen regional development momentum and enhance the well-being of our peoples. Leveraging the advantages of our ultra-large-scale markets and the economic complementarity among member states, we will further facilitate trade and investment, intensify cooperation in such areas as energy, infrastructure, green industries, the digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, and artificial intelligence, and, by achieving mutual success and co-creating the future, advance together toward modernization.

Third, we must uphold openness and inclusiveness. The Eurasian continent has given birth to ancient civilizations, spearheaded the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures, and advanced human progress. Since time immemorial, the peoples of different countries have engaged in mutual exchange, drawing on each other’s strengths and making up for each other’s weaknesses. Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization should deepen mutual understanding and affinity through cultural and people-to-people exchanges, provide robust support for economic cooperation, and work together to create a vibrant garden of civilizations characterized by self-improvement and mutual enrichment, shared beauty, and harmonious coexistence.

Fourth, we must uphold fairness and justice. We should promote a correct understanding of World War II history, oppose Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and bullying practices, and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core while supporting the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization. We should advocate for a balanced and orderly multi-polar world and an inclusive, mutually beneficial economic globalization, and work to build a global governance system that is more just and equitable.

Fifth, we must uphold pragmatism and efficiency. We will continue to advance the reform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, increase resource allocation and capacity-building, and ensure that the organizational mechanisms are more robust, decision-making is more evidence-based, and operations are more efficient. We will promptly establish the Comprehensive Center for Addressing Security Threats and Challenges and the Drug Control Center, and swiftly complete the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Development Bank, so as to provide stronger support for member states’ security and economic cooperation.

Dear colleagues!

China has consistently aligned its own development with the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and with the aspirations of the peoples of all member states for a better life. To date, China’s cumulative investment in other SCO member states has exceeded US$84 billion, and annual bilateral trade with these countries has surpassed US$500 billion.

To promote the further development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China has consistently emphasized practicality and effectiveness. China plans to implement 100 “small but beautiful” livelihood projects in member states that have needs; to provide RMB 2 billion in grant aid to member states within this year; to extend new loans totaling RMB 10 billion over the next three years to member banks of the SCO Interbank Association; starting next year, to double the number of special scholarships for the SCO on the basis of the current level, and to launch an innovative doctoral training program under the SCO to jointly cultivate outstanding academic and research talent; and over the next five years, to establish 10 Luban Workshops in member states and offer 10,000 places for human resource development and training.

Dear colleagues!

“Where there is a shared aspiration, no distance is too great.” Let us keep firmly in mind our original mission and commitment, step up to our responsibilities with proactive action, and, with an even more vigorous spirit and more pragmatic measures, advance the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on a steady and sustainable path, resolutely forging ahead toward the bright future of a community with a shared future for mankind!

Thank you, everyone.