▲ Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a bloc primarily consisting of anti-Western nations such as China, Russia, and Iran, concluded its summit on September 1 (local time) by adopting a joint declaration that condemns U.S. attacks on Iran and calls for a diplomatic resolution.
Wrapping up their two-day meeting in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, leaders of the 10 member states expressed "deep concern over the situation in the Middle East and the areas surrounding Iran" in the declaration, criticizing the attacks on Iran that have caused numerous civilian casualties and severe economic damage.
They stated, "Such actions violate international law and the principles and norms of the UN Charter, posing a serious threat to global peace, security, and stability."
They also reaffirmed their support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing, "We urge that this armed conflict be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means."
In addition, they expressed condolences over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Furthermore, the member states called for strict adherence to the principles of nuclear non-proliferation, stating that the unilateral expansion of missile defense systems by individual countries or blocs negatively impacts international security.
The SCO also stated that it is not a military or political bloc and does not target other nations or international organizations, supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes, the guarantee of international peace, and joint responses to security threats.
However, it noted the need to strengthen military cooperation among member states, including the regular holding of joint exercises for peacekeeping missions.
The member states also selected Pakistan as the rotating chair for the next term, 2026–2027.
The summit was attended by leaders from 17 countries, including the 10 member states—Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—along with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The SCO is a multilateral consultative body established in 2001 by China and Russia, together with four Central Asian nations: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
With the subsequent additions of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus, the number of member states now stands at 10.
Initially focused on security cooperation such as countering terrorism and separatism, the SCO has recently emerged alongside BRICS as an "anti-U.S. solidarity bloc" as China strives to rally the Global South—emerging and developing nations primarily located in the Southern Hemisphere—to counter the West led by the United States.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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