Tianjin: Chinese President Xi Jinping is hosting a summit of global leaders in the northern city of Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), state-run Xinhua News reported. Xi held bilateral talks with various leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
According to Anadolu Agency, during his meeting with Aliyev, Xi reiterated China's support for Azerbaijan in joining the SCO, emphasizing the importance of maintaining 'strategic communication' and expanding cooperation across different sectors. The two nations signed several agreements in fields such as artificial intelligence, scientific and technological innovation, finance, and media.
In discussions with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Xi announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Armenia, expressing Beijing's support for Yerevan's aspirations to join the SCO. Similarly, during talks with Belarusian President Lukashenko, the Chinese leader emphasized the need for mutual support on issues of core interests and major concerns, resulting in signed agreements in science and technology, finance, and other areas.
The summit, which continues through Monday, marks the fifth annual SCO conference hosted by China since the organization's establishment in 2001. Leaders from over 20 countries and 10 international organizations, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, are participating. Discussions are expected to culminate in the signing of the Tianjin Declaration, alongside a 10-year strategic plan and various outcome documents focusing on security, trade, energy, and cultural collaboration.
The SCO, which evolved from the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, now comprises 10 member states, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. It covers approximately 24% of the global land area and 42% of the world's population, with member states contributing to about a quarter of global GDP. China's trade with SCO members, observers, and dialogue partners reached a record $890 billion in 2024, accounting for 14.4% of its total foreign trade.
The previous SCO leaders' summit took place in Kazakhstan in July 2024, where 25 strategic documents were adopted, addressing energy, security, finance, and information security.