Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

The 15th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit will be held in Ufa, Russia on July 9 and 10. Leaders of the member states will discuss the group's development strategy, exchange views on issues including regional security and development, make political declarations and reach multilateral cooperative agreements. What deserves more attention is that the summit is expected to officially start work on the group's enlargement. The resolution for new membership, if agreed upon by all, will become a milestone, indicating the SCO is stepping into a new stage.

The expansion of the SCO is an inevitable result of its development and it chimes with the strong appeals for cooperation in the region as well. So far, there are more than 10 countries applying to be either member states, observers or dialogue partners of the SCO. Many international organizations have established cooperative relationships with the group as well. People cannot help thinking about the factors underlying the attraction of the SCO.

From a historical perspective, the SCO fits the trend of world multi-polarization and globalization. At present, countries are becoming increasingly close and interdependent with each other. The trend of regional integration is growing. There is an evident rise in the need for multilateral cooperation on security and development. Based on the principle of equality and mutual benefits, the SCO strives for common development and provides a multilateral platform, with collective efforts from all sides, to achieve regional stability, prosperity and win-win cooperation for all.

In terms of its characteristics, the SCO has established a new mode for international relations that are non-aligned, non-confrontational and not directed against a third party. This mode reflects the global trend of peace and cooperation, deepens mutual trust, eliminates differences, improves efficiency and facilitates harmonious development. This mode, for certain, will gain support from more countries.

In terms of its achievements, the SCO, after 14 years of continuous efforts, has formed three pillars - security, pragmatism and humanism. This cooperation is quite effective. Fighting against the "three evil forces," namely separatism, extremism and terrorism, as well as cracking down on cross-border crimes including drug smuggling, is a core task for the SCO in the long term. Deepening cooperation in trade, finance, energy, transportation and agriculture has energized the economies of the members. Increasingly close cultural communications have promoted mutual understanding between people from all member countries.

The achievements of the SCO are a result of the joint efforts of the member states. China, as the "birth place" of the SCO, has long regarded the organization as an important platform for diplomacy and the new international relations. China has long stuck to the "Shanghai Spirit," and proposed an integrated and united community. By training talents in various areas for member states and providing financial support for cooperative projects in transportation, energy, telecommunications and other fields, China has taken on the responsibility of being the leading power. Aiming to create more opportunities for cooperation, China is also active in promoting the "One Belt, One Road" initiative and its linking with initiatives from other countries. China, with its confident, sincere, pragmatic and cooperative attitude, has won the respect of other countries.

Those who know the situation well can take the lead. At present, the global and regional situations have witnessed profound and complicated changes. The "three evil forces" are intertwining; the negative effects of the Afghanistan conflict are spreading; conventional and unconventional security threats are intertwined and regional security issues are becoming more complex.

In the meantime, the world economy is undergoing profound adjustments, with its recovery facing difficulties. Many countries are facing economic downward pressure. How to speed up economic transformation and upgrading in a changing situation is an urgent task for the SCO at the Ufa summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinpingwill be joined by other political leaders to work on the long-term development of the SCO, to deepen cooperation in various fields, to enhance the efficiency of the system and to broaden international communications. It is hoped that the SCO, under the guidance of world leaders, will move forward into a bright future with greater confidence and openness.