Xi Calls for Stronger SCO Economic Unity

(MENAFN) Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Monday to harness the potential of their "mega-size markets," highlighting the importance of economic collaboration at a time when U.S. tariffs are unsettling global trade.

During the opening speech of the 25th SCO summit, held in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin, Xi emphasized deeper economic ties within the group.

Leaders from the 10-nation alliance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were present for the discussions.

"The SCO member states are all friends and partners," Xi declared, calling on the group to acknowledge and respect their differences, maintain strategic dialogue, work towards common understanding, and reinforce unity and cooperation.

His remarks come as the U.S. continues to impose tariffs that have disrupted global markets, while also pursuing advantageous bilateral agreements with various UN member nations.

Xi further urged SCO states to uphold principles of "fairness" and "justice," stating: "We must promote a correct historical perspective on World War II and oppose the Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and bullying practices."

Stressing the value of “mutual benefit and win-win results,” he advocated for the protection of a UN-based global order and the support of a multilateral trading system anchored by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

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