China's Xi: both sides should safeguard security, development interests

China's Xi: both sides should safeguard security, development interests

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, scheduled for August 31 and September 1 in Tianjin, China. The summit, which will be the fifth time China hosts the event, will see Xi chairing the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State and the "SCO Plus" Meeting, and delivering keynote speeches [2].

The SCO, established in 2001, has grown from a regional organization to a trans-regional one, with 10 full members, two observer countries, and 14 dialogue partners [1]. Xi's attendance underscores China's commitment to strengthening the SCO and promoting regional stability, security, and prosperity.

Xi is expected to emphasize the importance of safeguarding security and development interests. In his keynote speeches, he will outline China's vision for the SCO, propose new measures to support high-quality development, and announce initiatives for comprehensive cooperation [2]. Additionally, he will sign a declaration with other SCO leaders, approve a development strategy for the next decade, and adopt outcome documents on various cooperation areas [2].

The SCO has made significant strides in enhancing connectivity across Eurasia. Notable achievements include the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the China-Central Asia natural gas pipeline, which have been operationalized [1]. In 2024, China's trade with other SCO members hit 3.65 trillion yuan ($511 billion), 36.3 times the level recorded since the organization's founding [1].

Xi's emphasis on security and development is not limited to the SCO. He has also urged the region to develop agriculture and clean energy, and to promote the integration of cultural and tourism industries. This is part of China's broader strategy to advance key infrastructure projects in Tibet, such as the massive 1.2 trillion yuan ($167 billion) mega-dam, to spur regional development [3].

The SCO Summit in Tianjin is expected to be one of the most important head-of-state diplomacy and home-ground diplomacy events in China this year. It will bring together leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations, highlighting China's central role in regional and global affairs [2].

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-big-family-china-committed-to-building-closer-sco-community-with-shared-future-302537118.html
[2] https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-22/Xi-Jinping-to-attend-2025-SCO-Summit-in-Tianjin-1G2nTGtU9by/p.html
[3] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/xi-jinping-pushes-for-mega-dam-rail-links-to-boost-infrastructure-in-tibet-101755774652005.html