TIANJIN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, joining leaders from more than 20 countries and 10 international organizations.

A distinguished Chinese journalist covering the two-day summit on Sunday and Monday described the Iranian president’s participation as carrying profound strategic significance amid ongoing regional and global transformations.

Xu Yawen, a CGTN Radio reporter and international affairs commentator, said Iran’s attendance reflects a new phase in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Tehran and Beijing.

“Iran’s joining of the summit as a full SCO member injects fresh momentum into high-level bilateral exchanges. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China is committed to deepening pragmatic cooperation with Iran in key areas such as energy, trade, and infrastructure development. This cooperation is expected to bring tangible benefits to both peoples,” Xu said.

She emphasized that Iran’s inclusion strengthens the SCO as a multilateral platform. “At a time when unilateralism and geopolitical tensions are on the rise, Iran’s engagement enhances the SCO’s collective ability to safeguard regional security, combat terrorism, and resist external interference. Iran’s firm support for multilateralism aligns closely with China’s vision, contributing to joint efforts to build a fairer and more balanced global governance framework.”

Xu highlighted the significance of Iran’s geographic potential in advancing regional connectivity and trade. “Historically, Iran has been a hub along the ancient Silk Road and is a natural bridge between East and West. Its geographic and economic potential can advance summit initiatives such as cross-border infrastructure projects and the stabilization of supply chains, particularly in energy and logistics,” she said.

The international affairs commentator noted that Iran’s active participation is seen as bringing new impetus to the SCO’s future agenda, promoting multipolarity, equitable dialogue, and win-win cooperation. “This fully embodies the Shanghai Spirit — mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development — in today’s international context.”

Xu pointed out that China views Iran’s presence at the Tianjin summit both as an opportunity to enhance bilateral trust and cooperation and as a strategic step in elevating the SCO into a more representative and dynamic platform for multilateral cooperation across the Global South.