By Elsbeth
van Paridon
Different national circumstances can set the stage for exchanges in diverse fields ranging from development to statesmanship among Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members, experts said. The SCO, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of its founding this year, groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India. At the SCO Forum on Governance and Leadership held in Beijing in late July, representatives discussed how the organization can create greater synergy. Edited excerpts of their views follow:
China’s experience
Chen Xi, President of China’s National Academy of Governance: In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the tasks of economic recovery and world stability, all countries need to enhance communication and work together.
In the past 20 years, the SCO has established a new system of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) has united the Chinese people and led them to achieve remarkable feats. China has eradicated extreme poverty and has built a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
The CPC’s governance upholds and strengthens overall leadership. It is also committed to a people-centered approach, following scientific theories, and building a community with a shared future for humanity. The CPC seeks happiness for the people and progress for humanity.
China’s development has benefited not only the Chinese people, but also the world at large. China advocates the joint pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative and carries out international cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, contributing its specific strengths to increase the people’s wellbeing. As of late 2020, China’s direct investment in other SCO member states reached $28 billion, with a large number of collaborations on infrastructure and production capacity carried out successfully.
The National Academy of Governance is eager to team up with the academies of governance in other SCO countries to forge a closer SCO community with a shared future.
A Tajik perspective
Azizi Abdujabbor Abdukahhor, First Deputy Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan: Since its establishment 20 years ago, the SCO has proved itself an incomparable regional system with an irreplaceable position in settling international problems.
Security of the SCO region is a promise of the region’s development. All SCO countries should continue to forge synergy in dealing with issues such as the spread of extremism, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
Tajikistan has always been an active participant in SCO affairs and has maintained close cooperation with all member states across various projects and fields.
The main principles of Tajikistan’s diplomatic strategy are in accordance with the SCO’s work. Tajikistan is willing to help the SCO take on a more important role in guaranteeing lasting peace and security, expanding economic exchanges and trade, and deepening people-to-people exchanges.
Tajikistan believes that the SCO is an efficient and pragmatic platform for the exchange of views, development of common grounds, and negotiation from different perspectives. Tajikistan would continuously contribute its knowledge and strong points to help countries keep pace with the times and improve political systems.
On governance, the Tajik version of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China allows me to get a real sense of the people-centered philosophy of the CPC. The ideas put forward in the book on national and global governance, China’s approach and practice, as well as the country’s initiative to build a community with a shared future for humanity, are of great significance.
I agree with President Xi’s saying that “as long as we keep to the goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity and work hand in hand to fulfill our responsibilities and overcome difficulties, we will be able to create a better world and deliver better lives for our peoples.”
People-to-people exchanges
Du Zhanyuan, President of China International Publishing Group (CIPG): In the past 20 years, as a constructive force in the Eurasian region and international affairs, the SCO has upheld the Shanghai Spirit, promoted solidarity and cooperation, and explored a new path for the development of an international organization. Furthermore, it has created a new type of regional collaboration and contributed to regional peace and development.
–The Daily Mail-Beijing Review News Exchange Item
