China's Commitment to Strengthening the SCO Community for a Shared Future

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, scheduled for August 31 to September 1, President Xi Jinping has outlined China’s commitment to fostering a closer SCO community with a shared future. This initiative emanated from the idea of building a 'big family' of nations, a vision articulated by Xi during the SCO Summit in Qingdao back in 2018.

The SCO has significantly evolved since its inception in 2001, transitioning from a regional alliance among six founding states - China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan - to a broader coalition with ten full members, two observer states, and fourteen dialogue partners. The ongoing summit represents a pivotal moment as leaders from over 20 countries and 10 international organizations gather, emphasizing regional cooperation.

Recent Milestones in Cooperation

Notable recent achievements reflect the SCO's blossoming collaborative spirit. For instance, in May 2025, the first cargo train from Tianjin to Central Asia embarked on its journey, transporting essential goods like auto parts, machinery, and household items to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital. This direct rail link has further streamlined the international logistics channel between northern China and its SCO partners, invigorating regional economic partnership.

Furthermore, SCO members have intensified their collective efforts focusing on key areas such as energy and food security, supply chain stabilization, and climate change mitigation. These collaborative initiatives have laid a foundation for a new mode of partnership defined by mutual trust, respect for diverse cultures, and a commitment to shared prosperity.

A Commitment to Security

Security is paramount within cooperative frameworks, and the SCO's initiatives targeting terrorism, extremism, and separatism underscore its commitment to regional stability. The organization has initiated joint military exercises and developed multi-level dialogue mechanisms, enhancing its capacity to tackle security threats.

China has prioritized strengthening the SCO in its diplomatic relations with neighboring nations. Through steadfast actions, it aspires to boost the organization’s significance, contributing to regional safety and prosperity, as articulated by Xi in a recent meeting with foreign ministers.

Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure development is vital for these collaborative efforts. Comprehensive networks of railways, highways, pipelines, and energy corridors have increasingly connected member states. For instance, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project is accelerating, while gas and oil pipelines linking China with Central Asia have come online. In 2024, trade between China and the other SCO members reached an impressive 3.65 trillion yuan (approximately $511 billion), marking a substantial increase from prior years.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin is poised to be the largest event of its kind in the organization's history. With global dynamics continually shifting, the SCO stands as a beacon of cooperation that seeks to forge a peaceful pathway forward. The summit will serve as a platform for discussing pressing global issues and exploring vast potential for enhancements in multilateral collaboration.

In conclusion, the SCO, as envisioned by Xi, aims to be an inclusive organization, eschewing exclusivity and fostering an environment based on mutual benefit. As the international community faces multifaceted challenges, the SCO's role in promoting stability, security, and prosperity in Eurasia becomes more significant than ever. The vision of a 'big family' uniting diverse nations under common goals illustrates the organization's enduring significance in the geopolitics of the region.