Tianjin, China – September 1, 2025: At the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged member nations to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation and firmly rejected any notions of a “Cold War mentality.” Speaking at the largest-ever gathering of SCO leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Xi emphasized the need for unity and constructive collaboration in a time of global instability and geopolitical tensions.
The summit brings together leaders from the SCO’s 10 member states and other international figures, with the purpose of fostering security, economic growth, and cultural cooperation across the Eurasian region. As Chairman of the host country, Xi Jinping highlighted China’s commitment to supporting its SCO partners with substantial investments and educational initiatives.
Highlighting China’s expanding engagement, Xi announced that the country has invested approximately $84 billion in projects across SCO member states. Furthermore, he reaffirmed plans to support 10,000 students participating in Beijing’s “Luban” vocational education program aimed at building skilled professional capacity within the region.
Xi stressed that the SCO plays an important role in promoting a “new type of international relations” and fostering a “community with a shared future for humanity.” Against the backdrop of ongoing global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas crisis, as well as persistent trade tensions with the United States, he called for the summit to serve as a platform to build consensus and create a blueprint for future development and cooperation.
“We are tasked with an important mission: to build consensus among all parties, ignite momentum for cooperation, and draw up a blueprint for development,” Xi said during the summit opening banquet, reflecting the SCO’s commitment to solidarity and trust under the founding ‘Shanghai Spirit.’
Leaders gathered in Tianjin also discussed broader themes including regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic integration aligned with projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The summit is expected to yield a formal declaration strengthening collaborative measures among member states in security, cultural exchange, and economic partnerships.
Notably, the summit also included an expanded “SCO Plus” meeting involving non-member countries and international organizations aimed at enhancing global governance and fostering wider multilateral cooperation.
President Xi’s remarks underscored China’s ambitions to position itself as a peacemaker and influential leader within the Global South, advocating diplomacy over conflict. As the world navigates increasing geopolitical complexity, the SCO summit reflects a multipolar approach emphasizing cooperation rather than confrontation.
This biennial summit stands as a critical platform for Eurasian states to coordinate approaches on AI innovation, security concerns, and economic strategies to help generate stability and sustainable growth amid ongoing global challenges.