China Vows to Share Market Opportunities at SCO Tianjin Summit

September 2 — China is eager to share the benefits of its massive market and remain committed to the high-quality economic and trade collaboration plan with member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, according to statements made at the recent SCO summit in the coastal city of Tianjin.

The country aims to create three major cooperation platforms focusing on energy, green industries, and digital technology. Additionally, it plans to establish three pivotal centers dedicated to scientific and technological innovation, higher education, and vocational and technical training, as reported by Xinhua News Agency from the summit, which took place from August 31 through September 1.

Over the next five years, China will collaborate with SCO member countries — including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus — to increase its photovoltaic and wind power capacities by 10 million kilowatts each, the report indicated.

Energy, green industries, and solar energy have long been priorities for the SCO, according to Liu Xu, deputy director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies at Renmin University’s School of International Studies. He noted that China’s initiative to establish cooperation platforms signifies a continued effort in this direction. He also suggested that financial support mechanisms, including the early development of institutions like an SCO development bank, could further enhance regional economic integration.

Emerging green energy solutions and climate change initiatives now enjoy widespread global consensus, said Xu Poling, director of the Russian Economic Research Office at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. With capabilities in wind power, solar energy, and energy storage, China can assist traditional energy-exporting nations in pursuing sustainable growth, reducing environmental impacts, and diversifying their economies—potentially through industries like eco-tourism.

Xu added that China’s specific green targets, such as expanding photovoltaic and wind energy projects by tens of millions of kilowatts, not only demonstrate a tangible move toward sustainable development but also establish clear, actionable goals for ongoing cooperation.

China is also open to co-develop an artificial intelligence application center with partners worldwide and shares the benefits of advancements in AI technology. Furthermore, China invites nations to utilize the Beidou Satellite Navigation System and encourages countries with relevant expertise to participate in the International Lunar Research Station project.

Trade between China and other SCO member countries increased by 2.7% last year, reaching a total of USD 512.4 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce. Companies in member states have already launched numerous investment and industrial projects spanning oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure, as well as emerging sectors like renewable energy and digital technology.

The SCO was founded in Shanghai in June 2001 and has since grown from its original six members to a 26-nation alliance that includes 10 member states, two observer countries, and 14 dialogue partners across Asia, Europe, and Africa.