Chinese FM urges bigger role for SCO in regional security

MOSCOW, June 4  -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to play a more constructive role in safeguarding regional security and stability.

During an SCO meeting on regional security and stability in Moscow, Wang noted that in the face of the complicated global and regional situation, the SCO has the obligation and ability to play a more constructive role and make greater contributions to regional security and stability.

To that end, the SCO members should take security cooperation as a priority and build the SCO into a reliable platform for promoting peace, stability and development, said the Chinese minister.

Wang also called on the SCO members to enhance their ability to maintain stability and to eradicate potential security threats in the region.

He urged the bloc to deal with hot-spot regional issues via dialogues and consultations and avoid armed conflicts and violent confrontations.

Moreover, Wang advocated adherence to the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development, as well as the Security Concept for Asia, which calls for a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security strategy in the region.

Wang also expressed China's support for the SCO's peace-building efforts in Afghanistan and warned the bloc against the resurgence of "the three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the region.