China's Commitment to Strengthening the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for a Shared Future

As the world turns its gaze towards the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for August 31 and September 1 in Tianjin, China's President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit marks a significant moment for the organization’s future. In a recent exploration of China's efforts towards fostering a tightly-knit SCO community with a shared future, we delve into the organization's achievements across various sectors and its roadmap for enhanced collaboration.

The foundation of the SCO can be traced back to its establishment in 2001, when China, along with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, came together to form a platform for regional cooperation. Over the years, this alliance has evolved from a regional cooperative body into a trans-regional powerhouse with ten full members, two observer states, and fourteen dialogue partners, significantly broadening its reach.

In May 2025, a historic cargo train laden with 50 containers of auto parts, mechanical equipment, construction materials, and home appliances set off from Tianjin, heading for Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This direct rail link not only optimizes the international logistics channel between northern China and SCO member states but also invigorates regional economic and trade cooperation. The impressive growth in trade, with China's trade volume with other SCO members reaching approximately 3.65 trillion yuan (around $511 billion) in 2024, underscores the increasing interdependence among member nations.

Throughout its history, the SCO has cultivated a hallmark of stability and security through mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation. It aims to address critical issues such as energy and food security while stabilizing and diversifying supply chains. With a strong emphasis on combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism, the SCO has fortified its collective security mechanisms through joint military exercises and multi-level dialogues, continuously enhancing its capabilities to manage security risks in the region.

As preparation for the Tianjin summit intensifies, the SCO emerges as a pivotal platform for collaboration, particularly under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The focus is shifting from individual projects to coordinated strategic development, expanding cooperative efforts from bilateral to multilateral contexts. The ongoing construction of critical infrastructure, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and gas pipelines linking China with Central Asia, showcases the vibrant synergy among member states striving for interconnectedness.

At the recent SCO assistant foreign ministers' meeting, Liu Bin articulated the organization's success in charting a new path toward peaceful development and cooperation, reinforcing its commitment to security, prosperity, and the enhancement of people's livelihoods. His statement echoed President Xi's vision of the SCO as a 'big family,' reflecting the growing number of member nations that embrace common goals for development and a closely-knit future.

Xi’s description of the SCO's role resonates even more in the current global landscape, teeming with intricate challenges and rapidly evolving dynamics. The 'Shanghai Spirit' — characterized by mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for diversity, and a pursuit of common growth — is instrumental in promoting the collective interests of SCO members, thus enhancing overall regional stability and prosperity.

As the leaders of over 20 countries congregate in Tianjin, anticipation builds around the potential agreements and collaborations that will be forged. The summit not only promises strategic discussions but also underscores the SCO's evolution into a linchpin of support for stability and shared prosperity across Eurasia.

In a stark contrast to exclusive geopolitical blocs driven by ideological confrontations, the SCO remains committed to openness and inclusivity, avoiding alliances that lead to confrontation. President Xi has reaffirmed China's diplomatic commitment to enhancing the SCO's influence, focusing on regional stability and fostering a vibrant, collective future.

As we look forward to the summit, it is evident that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization stands as a significant player in harmonizing international relations, driving regional development, and nurturing a community for a shared future.