Hey fam 👋, big news from Tianjin: the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit just wrapped up its largest ever meet-up, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is all about 🤝 friendship, 🚀 practical cooperation, and 🌍 multilateralism. Here’s the lowdown for all you tech-savvy changemakers in South Asia & Southeast Asia.
Why It’s a Game Changer
This year’s SCO Summit (Aug 31 – Sep 1) in Tianjin brought together 20+ countries and 10 international bodies. Think of it as a mega team-up, charting a path toward closer ties and shared goals – from trade boosts to tackling global challenges.
🤝 Friendship Goals
Xi skipped the corporate handshake photos and went straight for 'good brothers' vibes. He met with:
- Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly – sealing 'true partner' status
- Cambodian PM Hun Manet – strengthening the 'ironclad' China-Cambodia bond
- Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing – celebrating the deep-rooted 'pauk-phaw' friendship
- Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli – toasting 70 years of neighbourly love
🔗 Cooperation in Action
Ever heard of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? It’s a mega plan to link up roads, ports and power grids across Asia and beyond. Xi talked BRI sync-ups like:
- Aligning BRI & Egypt’s 'Vision 2030' in green energy and joint manufacturing
- Boosting Cambodia’s Industrial & Technological Corridor and Fish & Rice Corridor
- Deepening the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor
- Upgrading connectivity with Nepal
Trade among SCO members hit a record $512.4 B in 2024 – proof that teamwork pays off 💸.
🌍 Multilateralism & Remembering History
2024 marks 80 years since WWII’s end and the UN’s founding. In talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Xi stressed that multilateralism (aka everyone pulling together) is the real MVP for tackling global crises. Expect a joint statement honouring this anniversary and pushing for a united future.
What’s Next?
Xi and other SCO leaders are set to ratify plans that keep this momentum rolling. For us in SA and SEA, it means more collabs – from tech hubs in Bengaluru to start-ups in Ho Chi Minh City – all riding the wave of a more connected, cooperative Asia.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these global moves shape our regional scene. Until then, keep innovating and connecting! 🚀✨
Reference(s):
Xi stresses friendship, cooperation and multilateralism at SCO Summit
cgtn.com
