Xi Jinping Urges SCO Cooperation Against Cold War Mentality at $30 Trillion Summit

At the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for strengthening solidarity among member states and opposing Cold War mentalities, bloc confrontations, and bullying behaviors in global affairs. Xi emphasized the importance of upholding a UN-centered international system and supporting multilateral trade under the WTO, advocating for cooperation based on mutual respect and win-win results. Highlighting the SCO's growth into the world's largest regional organisation with 26 countries and a combined economic output of nearly USD 30 trillion, Xi pledged approximately USD 281 million in grants and additional loans to member states, while also announcing initiatives such as the creation of an SCO Development Bank, a new security centre, and AI cooperation. Xi stressed the need to respect differences among members, promote dialogue, and reject unilateralism and protectionist practices as ways to stabilize the global economy and address complex security and development challenges. The summit featured leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Xi and Modi affirming partnership and cooperation rather than rivalry. This SCO gathering serves as a platform for China to position itself as a global peacemaker amid ongoing international tensions, including trade conflicts with the U.S. and regional conflicts.