The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) convened its 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, China, marking the largest-ever summit in the organisation’s history. Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the assembly, emphasized the importance of forging a cooperative path forward amid global uncertainties and challenges.
Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO began with just six member states and has since grown into the world’s largest regional organisation. Today, the SCO boasts cooperation across more than 50 areas, ranging from economic integration and security to cultural exchanges and scientific collaboration. Its combined economic output now approaches a staggering 30 trillion U.S. dollars, reflecting the growing clout of the organisation on the global stage.
President Xi highlighted the significance of the “Shanghai Spirit,” a guiding principle that emphasizes mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development. In his address, Xi urged member states to fully leverage the organisation’s potential, stressing that solidarity and pragmatic collaboration are essential in navigating a rapidly changing world.
“The SCO’s international influence and appeal are increasing day by day,” Xi remarked, noting the “groundbreaking and historic achievements” of the organisation over the past two decades. From expanding regional connectivity to coordinating joint economic initiatives, the SCO has become a platform for dialogue and action among its members, which now include Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian states.
The 2025 summit also underscored the organisation’s role in maintaining regional peace and security, particularly in addressing shared challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime. With a focus on pragmatic cooperation rather than ideological alignment, the SCO continues to attract attention from other nations seeking stable economic partnerships and security collaboration.
As the SCO steps into its third decade, the Tianjin summit reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to inclusive growth, regional stability, and global engagement. For China, hosting the summit is both a demonstration of leadership and a call for deeper collaboration among Eurasian powers, setting the stage for continued expansion of one of the world’s most influential regional organisations.
