92.7% respondents say 'Shanghai Spirit' models new international relations

The eyes of the world are once again on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where the heads of state of the world's largest and most populous regional cooperation organization will meet in Kazakhstan to discuss issues of regional security and development. According to a global online poll conducted by CGTN, respondents generally believe that after more than 20 years of development, the SCO has developed into a shield of security, a bridge of cooperation, a bond of friendship and a constructive force in the region. Additionally, 82.8 percent of respondents expect the SCO to advocate for Global South countries and promote establishing a more equitable and reasonable international order.

Since its establishment, security cooperation has been a significant focus of the SCO. Respondents generally believe that after more than 20 years of development, the SCO has developed into a regional security barrier and made great contributions in combating the "three forces," ensuring strategic security, maintaining defense security, carrying out anti-drug and anti-money laundering activities, and combating transnational organized crime. In the survey, 89.6 percent of respondents believe that the regional and international influence of the SCO is growing, while 83.7 percent affirm that the SCO has played a great role in maintaining regional security and stability.

Security is the foundation of development. The Global Security Initiative proposed by China is highly compatible with the SCO's concept of security and is generally recognized by respondents around the world. Among them, 91.2 percent of respondents believe that differences and disputes between countries should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and consultation rather than unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction." Additionally, 94.8 percent of respondents believe that the Cold War mentality will only undermine the framework for global peace, hegemonism and power politics will only endanger world peace, and bloc confrontation will only exacerbate security challenges.

As a constructive force in Eurasian regional and global governance, the SCO has always adhered to the "Shanghai Spirit" of "mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development." The SCO has pioneered the development path of a new type of international organization in which member states form partnerships rather than alliances and engage in dialogue rather than confrontation. In the survey, 92.7 percent of respondents highly agree with the concept of the "Shanghai Spirit" and consider it a model for promoting the construction of a new type of international relations. Additionally, 83.9 percent of respondents affirmed China's influence in the SCO, praising China for actively promoting the institutionalization of the organization and providing several international public goods, including the Belt and Road Initiative. Another 82.8 percent of respondents expect the SCO to play a greater role in global governance, actively advocate for Global South countries and promote the establishment of a more equitable and reasonable international order.

The survey was released on CGTN's English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian platforms, with 13,527 netizens voting and expressing their opinions within 24 hours.