Editor's note: Ruqiya Anwar, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a PhD scholar of Media and Communication Studies in Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) via video link on July 4. He called on members of the SCO to follow the right direction and enhance their solidarity and mutual trust.

As the SCO enters a new phase of development, it is essential that member states uphold solidarity, mutual trust, and multilateralism with unity. By leveraging their collective strengths and intensifying cooperation across multiple domains, they can ensure the SCO's continued significance and effectiveness. Multilateralism is the key to a better future, where nations collaborate on an equal footing to promote peace, stability, and prosperity, as demonstrated by history.

In contrast to traditional bloc politics, the SCO presents an appealing departure. It emphasizes partnerships over traditional alliances, fostering an atmosphere of openness and inclusiveness. The SCO aims to foster shared development and security among its member states, transcending the typical barriers that define international relations.

The SCO emerged as a symbol of unity in an era of global shifts and conflicting interests, supporting multilateralism and advancing shared security and development. The SCO transcends the divisive clique-building strategies frequently used by some countries and places more emphasis on partnerships than traditional alliances, making it an appealing option for those seeking a more inclusive and collaborative approach.

The SCO has significantly expanded its scope of cooperation since it was first founded 22 years ago to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Today, it extends to economic, cultural, and a number of other areas, successfully fostering regional cooperation and luring more nations into its fold. The group has established itself as a reliable partner for countries dissatisfied with Western foreign policies thanks to its accomplishments and capacity to collaborate with other international organizations.

The SCO has the potential to be a driving force in attaining these objectives, and its true potential can be realized through sustained commitment, communication, and coordination.

China, an important member of the SCO, has recognized the importance of this organization in its foreign policy and repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to multilateralism. Its active and constructive role within the SCO is one of the primary reasons for its success and positive impact. 

In addition, China's emphasis on partnerships align well with the SCO's vision of an inclusive and open organization. China encourages dialogue, reverence for sovereignty, and the pursuit of outcomes that are mutually beneficial. This open-mindedness has bolstered the SCO's function as a forum for constructive engagement and consensus-building among member states.

China's active participation in diplomatic endeavors has contributed significantly to the SCO's multilateralism. China has facilitated dialogue and negotiations among member states through its diplomatic channels, resolving conflicts and fostering mutual understanding. Its diplomatic competence has played a crucial role in providing constructive engagement and preserving harmony within the SCO.

China's participation in the SCO has been crucial in fostering unity and cooperation among member states. Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has provided member countries with extensive economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and connectivity projects, fostering regional integration and shared prosperity. These initiatives have assisted in bridging development disparities and fostering inclusive growth within the SCO community.

As President Xi rightly pointed out that "realizing long-term peace and stability in the region is our common responsibility," strengthening regional security is one of the most essential aspects of China's contribution to the SCO.

China's steadfast commitment to counterterrorism, separatism, and extremism aligns with the objectives of the SCO, and its expertise in combating these threats has been invaluable. China's experiences in effectively addressing security issues have enabled it to share valuable knowledge, intelligence, and resources within the SCO framework, thereby facilitating collaborative efforts to preserve regional stability.

The principles of the SCO represent the belief that multilateralism wins over unilateralism, that good neighborly relations and friendship trump beggar-thy-neighbor policies, and that constructive cooperation prevails over zero-sum games.

Through actively supporting initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China, SCO members and the greater community can forge a closer bond. Together, they can promote peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit on a global scale.

The SCO has enormous potential; however, its success depends on the combined efforts of its member states. By upholding the principles of openness, inclusiveness, and partnership, the SCO can pave the way for greater progress and contribute to the development and prosperity of regional nations. Through such cooperative efforts, everyone can accomplish a more secure and prosperous future.

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