The Joint Communique at the Tianjin SCO Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) meeting, adopted at the Tianjin Summit, slammed Trump tariffs, condemned terrorism and urged reforming the UN, rejecting unilateralism, hegemony, and protectionism. India refused to endorse the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), while all other member states expressed support for it.
The summit was held under the shadow of punitive Trump tariffs against India, for importing Russian oil, the Ukraine war and the Israeli genocide in Gaza, the Pahalgam terror attack, Israeli strikes on Iran, China’s president urged leaders at the summit to reject the “Cold War mentality,” in an apparent reference to US policies. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin used the forum to defend his war in Ukraine.
President Xi said the present international situation is “becoming chaotic and intertwined and the security and development tasks for the member states of the SCO have become “even more challenging”.
“Looking back, despite tumultuous times, we have achieved success by practicing the Shanghai spirit,” the Chinese President said as he referred to the the SCO group.
“Looking to the future, with the world undergoing turbulence and transformation, we must continue to follow the Shanghai spirit, keep our feet on the ground, forge ahead, and better perform the functions of the organization.”
The countries that attended the Tianjin SCO Summit were China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,Tajikistan Uzbekistan,Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Armenia Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Myanmar, Maldives, Nepal, Turkey, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The Joint Communique , adopted at the Tianjin Summit , highlighted priorities in security, economic cooperation, anti-terrorism, sustainable development, and organizational reform. The key points were:
Economic and Trade Cooperation
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Endorsed the SCO Economic Development Strategy to 2030, aiming for a “green” agenda, regional trade expansion, and favorable business/investment climate.
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Called for improved global economic governance and upheld a multilateral, open, non-discriminatory trade system.
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Opposed unilateral sanctions not backed by the UN Security Council and denounced protectionism.
Security and Counter-Terrorism
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Strong condemnation of terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations,” including specific reference to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, calling for bringing perpetrators and sponsors to justice.
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Adoption of agreements to establish new SCO centers: an Anti-Drug Center and a Universal Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats.
Connectivity and Development
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Promoted connectivity, including support for initiatives like the Chabahar port and North-South Transport Corridor.
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Approved the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, focusing on trade, investment, infrastructure, and energy cooperation.
Energy and Environment
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Endorsed implementation of the SCO Energy Cooperation Strategy to 2030, including a roadmap for coordinated energy policy and developing renewable/low-emission technologies.
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Highlighted environmental protection, climate change response, and the SCO Year of Ecology in 2024, supporting initiatives for mountain and glacier conservation.
Institutional Developments
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Adoption of 24 outcome documents, including the Tianjin Declaration, marking the expansion of the SCO’s mandate and structure.
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Laos granted dialogue partner status; SCO given observer status at the Commonwealth of Independent States; Kyrgyzstan named next presidency.
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Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, named “tourist and cultural capital of the SCO” for 2025-2026.
Reform and Multilateralism
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Committed to reforming global governance institutions, including the UN, and rejected unilateralism, hegemony, and protectionism.
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Welcomed creation of centers to address organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity.
India’s stand on the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI)
PM Narendra Modi, in his remarks, stressed that connectivity projects must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, referencing core principles of the SCO Charter and directly alluding to Indian concerns over the BRI’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
India warned that “connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning,” and highlighted its own alternative approaches like the Chabahar Port and North-South Transport Corridor.
