Xi Jinping Calls for Joint Development and Offers Billions at SCO Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to align their development strategies during a summit held in Tianjin on September 1, 2023. In his address, Xi emphasized the necessity for collaborative planning and execution of projects to enhance global benefits. He also highlighted the importance of promoting the “high-quality implementation” of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s flagship global infrastructure project, to foster regional development and improve the well-being of citizens across member states.

Xi’s speech underscored a commitment to openness and inclusivity, calling for a renewed focus on multilateralism. He stated, “We must promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, and oppose the Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and bullying practices.” Xi called for an advocacy of a fair multipolar world and aimed to reform the global governance system to be more just and equitable.

Proposals and Initiatives for Future Cooperation

The summit, which took place from August 31 to September 1, featured over 20 heads of state, including prominent leaders such as Vladimir Putin of Russia and Narendra Modi of India. Southeast Asian leaders, including Anwar Ibrahim from Malaysia and Pham Minh Chinh from Vietnam, were also present. Notably absent was Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who canceled his attendance due to escalating protests in his country.

In his remarks, Xi outlined a five-point proposal for enhancing cooperation among SCO members. This included promoting “unity in diversity,” advancing mutual benefit, maintaining an open and inclusive approach, and fostering practical cooperation. He stated, “We should strengthen trade and investment facilitation, expand cooperation in energy, green industries, digital economy and artificial intelligence, and together move toward modernization.”

To cement the SCO’s role as a collaborative platform, Xi announced new initiatives, including 100 “small but smart” livelihood projects and an additional 10 billion yuan (approximately US$1.4 billion) in development loans. Additionally, he pledged 2 billion yuan in grant assistance to SCO member states for the current year and promised to double the number of scholarships available to SCO students starting next year.

Global Context and Future Prospects

The SCO, established in 2001, has grown to encompass 10 full members, including China, Russia, and India, along with two observer states and 14 dialogue partners. Collectively, these nations represent nearly half of the world’s population and about a quarter of global GDP. Originally focused on security and counter-terrorism, the bloc’s agenda has expanded to include economic and military cooperation.

Leaders at the summit are expected to finalize several agreements aimed at enhancing economic coordination and security cooperation before the event concludes. Analysts suggest that China’s hosting of the SCO summit is an effort to project its influence and convening power in a turbulent global environment, although they caution that internal divisions could challenge these ambitions.

As the summit concludes, many foreign delegations will remain in China for a planned military parade in Beijing on September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This event is expected to showcase advanced military technology, including fighter jets and missile defense systems, further demonstrating China’s intent to assert its presence on the global stage.