Chinese President Xi Jinping has criticized “bullying behavior” in international affairs, pledging to strengthen multilateral ties as he opened the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
In an address to SCO leaders on Sunday evening, Xi called on the world to reject Cold War mentalities, bloc confrontations and “bullying behavior” in international politics.
Xi delivered his remarks at the opening of the two-day SCO summit, which brought together leaders from more than 20 nations.
Among the attendees were Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly also took part in the gathering.
“The current international situation is becoming increasingly chaotic and intertwined … The security and development tasks facing member states have become even more challenging,” Xi warned.
He urged the SCO to uphold fairness and justice in both domestic and international affairs, while resisting what he called the mentality of power politics.
Xi highlighted that the organization has made progress by adhering to the “Shanghai Spirit,” a principle based on mutual respect, equality, and cooperation.
“Looking to the future, with the world undergoing turbulence and transformation, we must continue to forge ahead and enhance the functions of the organization,” he said.
China’s role within the bloc has grown significantly. Trade between China and SCO members has now surpassed $2.3 trillion, while Chinese investments in member states have exceeded $84 billion.
Xi pledged to expand Belt and Road Initiative across the region and to cultivate what he described as “a friendly network of the SCO’s peoples.”
Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and several Central Asian republics to address regional security concerns, the SCO has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. An additional 16 nations hold observer or dialogue partner status.
The organization engages in joint counter-terrorism drills, coordinates on security matters, and fosters collaboration in trade, energy, and education.
Over the years, member states have promoted the SCO as a strategic counterweight to NATO. Xi’s latest remarks are widely viewed as a pointed rejection of unilateral approaches associated with US foreign policy, particularly during the President Donald Trump administration.