In Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping convened with foreign ministers and representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, who were in China for the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting. Xi highlighted the SCO’s growth over the past 24 years, emphasizing its adherence to the Shanghai Spirit and its evolution into a robust organization. He stated China’s commitment to prioritizing the SCO in its diplomatic efforts, aiming to strengthen the organization and promote regional security, development, and a shared future. Xi noted China’s active role since assuming the rotating presidency, and expressed his anticipation of meeting with other member state leaders at the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin. He urged the SCO to maintain focus and play a proactive role in global stability. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with other SCO Foreign Ministers, also met with Xi Jinping, with Jaishankar conveying greetings from Indian leaders and discussing recent bilateral developments. This meeting marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan clash in 2020.
