Chinese President Xi Jinping poses for a group photo with leaders attending the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the Independence Palace in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 4, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

In summarizing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Central Asian trip, including attendance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the visit has amplified the “Shanghai Spirit,” deepened traditional friendships and opened a new vision for building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries. 

From Tuesday to Saturday, Xi attended the SCO Summit in Astana and paid state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan upon the invitation of both country’s head of state. 

Xi attended more than 30 bilateral and multilateral events over five days and four evenings, which involved political, economic and cultural fields, and included reunions with old friends while also meeting new friends, Wang said. 

The visit received high attention at home and overseas, as it enhanced the SCO’s role in changing the global landscape and fully reflected China’s international status and influence. As leader of a major country and major political party, President Xi provided strategic guidance for the future of the SCO, according to Wang.

The Chinese Foreign Minister noted four highlights of Xi’s visit.

First, it amplified the “Shanghai Spirit,” and pushed the SCO to make a new leap forward. 

Having been founded 23 years ago, the SCO has developed from the initial six members into a big family of 26 countries, an international organization covering the largest area and greatest population. This shows the principles of the SCO and the “Shanghai Spirit” is winning hearts, while the organization’s influence, vitality and charm are on the rise, Wang said. 

Xi made important speeches at the SCO in which he pointed out that the SCO stands on the right side of history, fairness and justice, and is of great significance to the world. 

Xi’s remarks received positive reactions from a diverse range of groups, who spoke highly of China’s contribution to the development of the SCO, the peace and stability of the region, and role in rallying the “Global South” for a more fair and just international order. They expressed high expectations for China assuming the rotating presidency of the SCO. 

The second highlight of the visit was to continue the traditional friendship and enrich the essence of China-Kazakhstan community of shared future. 

This visit was President Xi’s fifth visit to the country, Wang said, citing the grand welcome ceremony as evidence of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s deep friendship with Xi. 

During the visit, the two heads of state signed a joint statement and witnessed the signing of dozens of cooperation documents and the inauguration of several cultural facilities. 

Eleven years ago, it was in Kazakhstan that Xi proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt, and the two countries have since made fruitful achievements under the Belt and Road Initiative. 

The China-Europe Express Freight Service opened under the witnessing of the two heads of state, marking the multi-dimensional interconnection integrating road, rail, air, and pipeline transportation in formation. This will inject strong momentum into the high-quality construction of BRI between China and Kazakhstan, Wang said.

Wang underlined the third major achievement as the new positioning of China-Tajikistan relations as the two sides elevated bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. 

The two countries will continue to firmly promote friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation, firmly support each other in following a development path that suits each country’s national conditions, and uphold the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of each countries. We will be trustworthy friends, reliable partners, and close brothers to each other, Wang noted.

Wang also pointed out two highlights of the Tajikistan visit. The two heads of state attended the inauguration of the parliament and government buildings aided by China, and Xi awarded the "Friendship Medal," China's highest state honor for foreigners, to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. 

The fourth achievement of Xi’s visit was enhancing strategic communication  and pushing for the increase in forces for peace. 

During his attendance at the SCO Summit, Xi has held bilateral meetings with foreign leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi provided updates on cooperation opportunities China is providing and emphasized cooperation between the “Global South.”

Foreign leaders hailed China’s achievements in the new era, and expressed their hope to learn from China’s governance experience. They affirmed one-China principle, opposed “Taiwan independence” in any form and supported Chinese government’s efforts in achieving national reunification. 

They also said that they have stances which are the same or similar with China toward the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other key issues, and are willing enhance multilateral coordination with China to face the challenges together. 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. From the Principles, to the concept of a community with shared future for mankind, from exploring relations between countries to pursuing a better world, China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order, Wang said.


Global Times