TEHRAN – The Chinese city of Tianjin has captured global attention as it hosted the latest annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), marking a pivotal moment for the Eurasian alliance and international diplomacy at large. 

The two-day summit, held on Sunday and Monday, has been described as the “largest-ever SCO summit in history,” drawing participation from leaders representing over 20 countries and ten international organizations. This historic gathering underscored the SCO’s expanding influence on global governance, economic cooperation, and regional security.
Xi Jinping champions the “Shanghai Spirit”

Addressing the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of the “Shanghai Spirit” as a guiding principle in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world. Calling on member states to deepen cooperation, respect differences, maintain strategic communication, and strengthen solidarity, Xi highlighted the organization’s growing international stature.

He praised the “groundbreaking and historic achievements” of the SCO, noting that “its international influence and appeal are increasing day by day.” In a pointed reference to rising geopolitical tensions, the Chinese president urged regional leaders to reject the “Cold War mentality” and reaffirmed his commitment to multilateralism in the face of unilateral pressures, particularly from the United States.

“We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and make the global governance system more just and equitable,” Xi asserted, emphasizing the SCO’s potential to foster a more balanced international order.

Global Governance Initiative introduced

On Monday, President Xi took the opportunity of the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” meeting in Tianjin to propose the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a visionary framework aimed at advancing a fairer and more inclusive international system. “I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity,” he said.

The GGI marks the fourth major global initiative put forward by Xi in recent years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. 

Key agreements and strategic plans

Monday’s proceedings also saw the signing and adoption of several crucial documents, including the Tianjin Declaration and a development strategy for 2026-2035, outlining the SCO’s blueprint for the next decade. The summit brought together influential leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who collectively underscored the organization’s role in promoting multilateralism, regional security, and sustainable economic growth.

Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO began with six founding members and has since expanded into a 26-nation family consisting of ten full members, two observers, and fourteen dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. Today, the organization represents more than 40 percent of the world’s population and nearly a quarter of the global economy.

China’s leadership role and preparations

After assuming the rotating presidency of the SCO in July 2024, China launched an ambitious program aimed at deepening regional cooperation, advancing multilateralism, and strengthening the Eurasian alliance’s role in global governance. In preparation for the Tianjin summit, China hosted over 100 SCO-related events covering politics, security, economy, energy, education, and innovation. These initiatives not only highlighted China’s organizational capabilities but also demonstrated its commitment to the SCO’s long-term development.

During my nearly five months in China, from late February to mid-July, I participated as an Iranian journalist in a Chinese media exchange program, which gave me the opportunity to witness several of these forums firsthand.”. One notable event was held in the northeastern city of Shenyang, Liaoning Province, which hosted two major SCO gatherings: the SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities. Co-hosted by the SCO’s Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation Commission (GNFCC), these high-profile events drew hundreds of delegates from member states, observer countries, and dialogue partners. The forums focused on “Deepening People-to-People Friendship, Advancing Sustainable Development,” underscoring the SCO’s role in promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and regional harmony.

High-ranking officials delivered speeches emphasizing inclusiveness, cooperation, and sustainable development, echoing President’s vision of building a “community with a shared future for mankind.” These events demonstrated that the SCO’s influence extends beyond formal diplomatic channels, actively fostering social, cultural, and economic integration among its member states.

Technology and sustainability in action
My firsthand experience in China also revealed the practical manifestation of the Shanghai Spirit in the economic and technological spheres. A visit to a Lenovo factory in Tianjin offered a striking example of innovation aligned with sustainability. Lenovo has implemented an ambitious zero-carbon strategy, integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced technology to reduce environmental impact without compromising productivity.

The factory’s design features photovoltaic glass panels that generate electricity while serving as structural elements, showcasing how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into industrial operations. Lenovo’s approach demonstrates that environmentally conscious production is not merely aspirational but can drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. Initiatives like these exemplify China’s broader commitment to green industrial transformation, aligning economic development with global sustainability goals.

Diplomacy rooted in the Shanghai Spirit

China’s commitment to the Shanghai Spirit is deeply rooted in its diplomatic philosophy, which emphasizes equitable participation, collective dialogue, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Through multilateral organizations like the United Nations and the SCO, China advocates for a more balanced and inclusive international system where no single nation dominates decision-making processes. This approach underscores China’s vision of a world order built on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

The 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin demonstrated the practical impact of this philosophy. The presence of global leaders and high-level officials signaled the organization’s growing relevance and influence in international affairs. By promoting solidarity among member states and reinforcing the principles of multilateralism, the SCO is increasingly emerging as a platform that elevates the voices of the Global South while countering unilateral approaches in global governance.

Looking ahead: Kyrgyzstan and the SCO’s future

As the summit concluded, attention turned to the future of the SCO under the upcoming rotating presidency of Kyrgyzstan for the 2025-2026 period. Member states are expected to continue building on the progress achieved in Tianjin, furthering cooperation in areas such as security, trade, technological innovation, and sustainable development. The organization’s expansion and evolving agenda signal that the SCO is set to play an even more prominent role in shaping the trajectory of regional and global affairs.

From the Tianjin Declaration to the Global Governance Initiative, the 2025 SCO summit underscored the organization’s commitment to advancing multilateralism, fostering equitable development, and creating a shared vision for humanity’s future. Through dialogue, innovation, and cooperation, the SCO continues to offer an alternative model of global engagement—one that prioritizes partnership over dominance, sustainability over short-term gains, and collective progress over unilateral agendas.

In the end, Tianjin was more than just a venue for diplomatic meetings; it was a testament to the SCO’s maturation as a global institution and China’s role in shaping a more just, inclusive, and interconnected world. The summit reinforced the idea that cooperation, innovation, and shared purpose can indeed transform international relations, offering a blueprint for a more harmonious and prosperous future for all.