BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to safeguard regional peace and ensure common security.
Xi made the remarks while addressing the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO via video conference in Beijing.
China stands ready to work with all sides to implement the Global Security Initiative, promote the settlement of international disputes through dialogue and consultation, and encourage political settlement of international and regional hotspots, so as to forge a solid security shield in our region, Xi said
China stands ready to work with all sides to implement the Global Security Initiative, promote the settlement of international disputes through dialogue and consultation, and encourage political settlement of international and regional hotspots, so as to forge a solid security shield in the region, Xi said.
Economic recovery
Xi also called for advancing pragmatic cooperation to speed up economic recovery, adding that promoting economic growth is a common task for all countries in the region.
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China is willing to work with all parties to implement the Global Development Initiative and adhere to the correct direction of economic globalization, he said.
The Chinese leader urged efforts to oppose protectionism, unilateral sanctions and using national security as a tool for economic coercion, reject attempts to "build walls", decouple or disrupt industrial and supply chains, and strive to make a bigger "pie" of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Belt and Road Initiative
Efforts should be made to promote synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and development strategies of various countries, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, accelerate the construction of port infrastructure and regional international logistics corridors and ensure the stability and smoothness of regional industrial chains and supply chains, Xi said.
"Ten years ago, I proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, and on its tenth anniversary, China will hold the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation," said Xi.
He welcomed the participation of all parties to work together to broaden the Belt and Road as a "path of happiness" benefiting the whole world.
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Noting harmonious development of diverse civilizations is the vision of the people of countries in the region, Xi said China welcomes all parties to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, promote the coexistence of different civilizations and strengthen people-to-people bonds.
Solidarity
Xi called on SCO members to enhance solidarity and mutual trust, step up strategic communication and coordination, and replace competition with cooperation.
"We should truly respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and firmly support each other's endeavor for development and rejuvenation," Xi said.
He added that the SCO members should keep in mind the overall and long-term interests of the region, and make foreign policies independently. "The future of our development must be held firmly in our own hands," Xi added.