Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, in his speech during the 22nd Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on October 26, 2023, called for joint efforts to construct a security barrier in the region and resolutely reject external interference. [1] The SCO, which serves as a significant regional cooperation platform in Asia, has a fundamental objective of enabling regional countries to resolve their affairs without external interference, thus preserving regional independence and security.
Prime Minister Li Qiang, for the first time since taking office on March 11, 2023, visited Kyrgyzstan on October 24, 2023. This visit also marks the second visit by a Chinese Prime Minister to Kyrgyzstan within the last seven years. The discussions during this visit are seen as a critical opportunity to promote the implementation of decisions made by leaders at the China-Central Asia Summit held on May 18-19, 2023, expand bilateral trade, and accelerate regional connectivity projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. [2]
China’s significant role holds great importance within the organization. Prime Minister Li Qiang has also made statements on the matter. Prime Minister Li Qiang has expressed the SCO’s commitment to ensuring regional security and stability and emphasized the necessity of resisting external interference.[3] In addition to the global discourse, these statements also reflect China’s “regional” geo-economic power and strategic significance within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Prime Minister Li Qiang has noted that during the SCO Summit held in Samarkand on September 15-16, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of sustainable political trust, win-win cooperation, international equality, openness, inclusivity, and justice. Prime Minister Li Qiang added that these principles are the key to the success and growth of the SCO.[4]
Another crucial point is China’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The BRI is a significant strategic initiative aimed at promoting economic cooperation on a regional and global scale. This initiative, particularly through infrastructure projects, trade, and investment opportunities, fosters economic cooperation in the region, especially among SCO members.
When examining the geo-economic dynamics of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), it can be observed that regional security and stability are intertwined with economic cooperation. SCO members are focused on collectively combating threats referred to as the “three forces,” including terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Simultaneously, these efforts are reinforced by elements such as economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, and trade liberalization. [5] These initiatives can be seen as an effort to establish a balance between security and the economy with the aim of promoting the economic development of the region.
Prime Minister Li Qiang presented four proposals during the meeting to enhance cooperation between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): [6]
“1. The members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should jointly strengthen regional security, firmly reject external interventions, expedite the improvement of the mechanism for addressing security threats and challenges, and combat cross-border organized crimes, including terrorism, separatism, and extremism, often referred to as the ‘three threats.’
2. SCO members should promote the rapid recovery of the economy. They should collaborate to build secure and efficient transportation systems, continually promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and maintain stable and smooth industrial supply chains.
3. Üyeler Kuşak ve Yol işbirliğini birlikte geliştirmelidir. 3. Kuşak ve Yol Uluslararası İşbirliği Forumu başarılı bir şekilde gerçekleşti ve Kuşak ve Yol son 10 yılın en popüler uluslararası kamusal malı ve en büyük uluslararası işbirliği platformu haline geldi. ŞİÖ üyeleri, yüksek kaliteli Kuşak ve Yol işbirliğini üye devletlerin kendi kalkınma stratejileriyle uyumlu hale getirmeli, büyük ekonomik koridorların inşasını hızlandırmalı ve ŞİÖ Kalkınma Bankası’nı başarılı bir şekilde geliştirmelidir.
4. SCO member states should jointly promote understanding and friendship among peoples and deepen cooperation in fields such as education, culture, tourism, and sports.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Li Qiang’s speech emphasizes the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the context of regional security, economic cooperation, and geo-economic dynamics. SCO members are directed towards uniting their strength to enhance regional security and resist external interference. Additionally, the BRI holds great strategic importance in promoting economic cooperation among SCO members.
Prime Minister Li Qiang’s four proposals illustrate how the SCO can collaborate to achieve these goals. These proposals aim to enhance cooperation among SCO members in areas such as security, economy, regional collaboration, and interpersonal friendships. Furthermore, these proposals are likely to contribute to promoting regional development and stability. As a result, the SCO and BRI have a significant impact on the economic and political future of the region.
[1] “Regional Affairs Should Be Decided Without External Interference: Chinese Premier”, Xinhua News, https://english.news.cn/20231026/d572dc44295d4086b6e4ee1f24ee75a4/c.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 27.10.2023).
[2] “Premier Li Kicks Off Trip To Kyrgyzstan, Attend SCO Meeting”, Global Times, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202310/1300502.shtml, (Erişim Tarihi: 27.10.2023).
[3] Same place.
[4] Same place
[5] “Regional Affairs Should Be Decided Without External Interference: Chinese Premier”, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhaH13evE9U, (Erişim Tarihi: 27.10.2023).
[6] “Belt and Road Initiative Turbocharges Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Development”, Xinhua News, https://english.news.cn/20231027/2708a8e5ef474b4a970fc4937b3819ce/c.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 27.10.2023).
