When leaders of the SCO gathered in Astana in July 2024, they rallied around a vision of a common home defined by solidarity, mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as fairness and justice. This principle, known as the “Shanghai Spirit” and championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, set the stage for a fresh approach to security.
At its core, the SCO’s strategy links national stability with regional harmony, summed up by the mantra, “No country is secure unless all are secure.” Instead of zero-sum rivalries, members commit to resolving disputes through dialogue and mutual respect—an antidote to the Cold War mentality that once dominated global politics.
The Shanghai Spirit is anchored in three pillars: non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-interference. By embracing equality and consultation, respecting diverse civilizations and pursuing common development, the SCO provides a platform where dialogue takes precedence over diktat.
As global security landscapes shift, the SCO’s model offers a blueprint for inclusive multilateralism. By prioritizing trust-building and open communication, the organization shows that cooperative frameworks can deliver stability more effectively than unilateral power plays.
Could the SCO’s “Shanghai Spirit” chart the course for 21st-century security? For the next generation of global citizens, business innovators and changemakers, the answer lies in how effectively nations can unite around a shared vision of peace and prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
