‘Rise of China’ fuels creation of new global migrants , Kinship knows no country

Looking back: Prof Wong (right) showing a decorative timeline to (from left) Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu KUALA LUMPUR: The rise of China and the emergence of new Chinese communities across the globe have made the study of their migration more relevant than ever, says Universiti Malaya’s (UM) Arts and Social Sciences Faculty dean Prof Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken.

He said research on Chinese overseas communities initially focused on those who migrated during the 19th and 20th centuries – examining their origins, cultural identities and how they adapted to local societies – but new migration waves have since transformed these studies.

“With the rise of China, we are now seeing the movement of a new group of migrants, who have formed new communities around the world.

“These new groups have shaped local societies through new businesses, organisations and cultural exchanges that differ from earlier generations,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 12th International Conference of the International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO), which brought together 380 scholars from 27 countries to share insights on Chinese migration, identity and transnational networks.

Prof Wong said the theme “Chinese Overseas in a Changing World: Global Networks, Local Realities”, held at UM yesterday, reflects the shifting dynamics of Chinese migration in today’s interconnected world.

ISSCO president Prof Li Minghuan said the conference’s theme reflected the growing uncertainties of the modern world, shaped by China’s expanding global influence and its complex relationships with other major powers.

“China’s rising stature and its relations with the United States, European Union and the Global South shape the direction of the world and influence the development of overseas Chinese communities.

“Overseas Chinese today are influenced not only by global trends but also by the political, economic, social and cultural contexts of the countries where they live,” she said.

Prof Li added that ISSCO, now in its 33rd year, had grown into a dedicated academic community that fosters intellectual exchange and lasting friendships across borders.

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Kinship knows no country

• 

  One for the album: (From fourth left) Prof Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken, Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO) president Prof Li Minghuan and Chan at the conference in Universiti Malaya. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star

  KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysian Chinese continue to feel a deep connection to their ancestral roots in China through family ties and shared heritage, and not because of political allegiance, says Prof Dr Tan Chee Beng of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

  Family ties, he said, were one of the earliest and strongest cultural links maintained by Chinese migrants.

  “Earlier generations of migrants were naturally very close to their families in China. Although their descendants may now have fewer direct relatives there, many still feel a connection to their ancestral homeland,” he said at the 12th International Conference of the International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO).

  Themed “Chinese Overseas in a Changing World: Global Networks, Local Realities”, the keynote session was moderated by Universiti Malaya’s Chinese Studies Department adjunct professor Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.

Prof Wong said the theme “Chinese Overseas in a Changing World: Global Networks, Local Realities”, held at UM yesterday, reflects the shifting dynamics of Chinese migration in today’s interconnected world.

ISSCO president Prof Li Minghuan said the conference’s theme reflected the growing uncertainties of the modern world, shaped by China’s expanding global influence and its complex relationships with other major powers.

“China’s rising stature and its relations with the United States, European Union and the Global South shape the direction of the world and influence the development of overseas Chinese communities.

“Overseas Chinese today are influenced not only by global trends but also by the political, economic, social and cultural contexts of the countries where they live,” she said.

Prof Li added that ISSCO, now in its 33rd year, had grown into a dedicated academic community that fosters intellectual exchange and lasting friendships across borders.

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China commissions first electromagnetic catapults-equipped aircraft carrier, Fujian; country officially enters three-carrier era

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Xi says ready to work with Trump to build solid foundation for bilateral ties

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang JBy Xinhuaingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that he is ready to continue working with U.S. President Donald Trump to build a solid foundation for bilateral ties, and create a sound atmosphere for the development of both countries.

In a meeting with Trump, Xi said under their joint guidance, China-U.S. relations have remained stable on the whole.

"China and the United States should be partners and friends. That is what history has taught us and what reality needs," he said.

Given different national conditions, the two sides do not always see eye to eye with each other, and it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then, Xi added.

"You and I are at the helm of China-U.S. relations," said Xi. "In the face of winds, waves and challenges, we should stay the right course, navigate through the complex landscape, and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations."

Xi said that there is a good momentum in China's economic development, adding that in the first three quarters of this year, China's economy increased by 5.2 percent, and import and export trade in goods with the rest of the world expanded by 4 percent.

This is not an easy accomplishment given the domestic and external difficulties, Xi noted, adding that the Chinese economy is like a vast ocean, big, resilient and promising.

"We have the confidence and capability to navigate all kinds of risks and challenges," Xi added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

At its fourth plenary session, the 20th CPC Central Committee deliberated over and adopted the recommendations for the economic and social development plan over the next five years, Xi said.

"Over the past seven decades and more, we have been working from generation to generation on the same blueprint to make it a reality. We have no intention to challenge or supplant anyone. Our focus has always been on managing China's own affairs well, improving ourselves, and sharing development opportunities with all countries across the world," he added.

Describing that as an important secret to China's success, Xi said China will further deepen reform across the board, expand opening up, and promote higher-quality economic growth while achieving an appropriate increase in economic output, and advance well-rounded human development and common prosperity for all, adding that this will also expand the space for cooperation between China and the United States.

Xi noted that the two countries' economic and trade teams had an in-depth exchange of views on important economic and trade issues, and reached consensus on solving various issues.

He called on the two teams to work out and finalize the follow-up steps as soon as possible, and ensure that the common understandings are effectively upheld and implemented, to inject confidence into the two countries as well as the global economy through solid deliverables.

China-U.S. economic and trade relations have experienced ups and downs recently, and this has also given the two sides some insights, Xi noted.

The business relationship, Xi said, should continue to serve as the anchor and driving force for China-U.S. relations, not a stumbling block or a point of friction. 

The two sides should think big and recognize the long-term benefit of cooperation, and must not fall into a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation, he added, calling on the two teams to continue their talks in the spirit of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, and continuously shorten the list of problems and lengthen the list of cooperation.

Dialogue is better than confrontation, Xi said, adding that China and the United States should maintain communication through various channels and at various levels to enhance mutual understanding.

There is good potential for the two countries to work together on combating illegal immigration and telecom fraud, anti-money laundering, artificial intelligence, and responding to infectious diseases, he added.

The competent departments should strengthen dialogue and exchanges and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi said, adding that the two countries should also engage in positive interactions on regional and international platforms.

"The world today is confronted with many tough problems. China and the United States can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries, and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world," he added.

China will host APEC 2026, and the United States the G20 summit next year, Xi noted.

The two sides can support each other in making both summits productive to promote world economic growth and improve global economic governance, he added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Noting that it was a great honor to meet with Xi, Trump said China is a great country and President Xi is a well respected great leader, with whom he has been good friends for many years and has always got along well.

The United States and China have always had a fantastic relationship, and it will be even better, said Trump, voicing his hope for an even better future for both China and the United States.

China is the biggest partner of the United States, and with joint efforts, the two countries can get many great things done for the world and have many years of success, said Trump.

China will host the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, while the United States will host the G20 Summit next year, said Trump, wishing both sides every success in these important events.

The two presidents have agreed to enhance cooperation in economic, trade, energy and other fields and to encourage more people-to-people exchanges.

They have also agreed to maintain interactions on a regular basis. Trump looked forward to visiting China early next year, and invited President Xi to visit the United States.

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Mass Protests Erupt in Malaysia as Trump Faces Outrage Over Gaza at ASEAN Summit

https://www.ndtv.com/video/he-s-not-welcome-on-malaysian-soil-hundreds-protest-trumps-upcoming-asean-summit-visit-1012945

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive for the ASEAN Summit, triggering widespread outrage over his stance on Gaza and U.S. support for Israel. Led by Malaysia’s Islamist PAS party, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and chanted anti-Trump slogans outside the U.S. Embassy and summit venues. Riot police were deployed across the city as tensions flared, though Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged protesters to remain peaceful. The demonstrations underscored growing anger across Southeast Asia toward Washington’s Middle East policy. Despite the chaos, Trump’s visit marks the first time a U.S. president has visited Malaysia in a decade, the last being Barack Obama in 2015. #TrumpASEANSummit #MalaysiaProtests #GazaWar #AnwarIbrahim #ASEAN2025 #TrumpInAsia India Today Global is an India-based news channel that serves as an international arm of India's prominent media organization. It aims to provide factual, up-to-date news, analysis, and insights from India and around the world. The channel delivers a mix of content, including political news, business updates, entertainment, and cultural stories, focusing on both India-centric news and broader global issues. India Today Global features expert commentary, interviews, and in-depth reporting on key developments in India, as well as how they intersect with global events. It is known for its reputation as a trusted source of news in India. India Today Global is designed to cater to the Indian diaspora in the US while also appealing to international viewers interested in South Asian affairs and perspectives on global news. It's the English news brand that understands and fits perfectly into the digital-first lifestyles of our English news audiences. The marquee shows of our channel are: Statecraft: Our Executive Editor Geeta Mohan decodes the truth, cut out the noise, and present you the real facts that shape your world. We'll dissect the narratives spun by competing interests, analyze the subtle shifts in geopolitical landscapes, and illuminate the underlying forces that drive international relations. Expect rigorous analysis, informed perspectives, and a commitment to clarity in a world often obscured by deliberate ambiguity. We'll explore the economic levers, the military strategies, and the cultural influences that intertwine to form the complex tapestry of global power. Join us as we navigate the corridors of influence and reveal the hidden mechanisms that govern our interconnected world. Threadbare: We dive deep into global politics to unwind myths and expose false narratives shaping the world. Our episodes tackle disinformation, political information, and geopolitical myths to provide fact-based insights. Stay informed with in-depth analysis on international relations, political crisis, and global events. If you're interested in debunking political myths, exploring truth behind media narratives, and understanding the real forces driving global politics, this playlist is for you!
 

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UN Human Rights Council adopts China-tabled draft resolution on promoting economic, social and cultural rights

 

Photo: CFP

A draft resolution on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities was adopted without a vote at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

The draft resolution was submitted by China on behalf of nearly 70 countries, including Bolivia, Egypt, Pakistan, and South Africa, according to CCTV News.

Chinese Ambassador Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said at the session that as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, China's proposal aims to bridge differences, build consensus and focus on action-oriented cooperation, CCTV News reported.

He called for strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation, holding thematic discussions and interactive dialogues within the Human Rights Council, supporting the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in enhancing its work on economic, social and cultural rights, and making full use of the economic social and cultural rights knowledge hub established under a China-tabled resolution to better provide technical assistance and capacity-building for countries in need.

Various developing countries voiced support, saying the resolution reflects the real needs of people and effectively responds to the strong calls of developing countries for increasing investment in economic, social and cultural rights. Various parties including the EU commended the resolution. After its adoption, many countries and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights extended congratulations to the Chinese mission, recognizing China's leading role in advancing these rights globally, according to CCTV News.

The evolution of Malaysian foreign policy

Kuala Lumpur once prized non-alignment above all else – now it sees Beijing as more reliable than lectures from the West.- Murni Abdul Hamid

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a parade for Malaysian Independence Day celebrations last month in Putrajaya, Malaysia (Syaiful Redzuan/Anadolu via Getty Images

Malaysia’s approach in navigating great power rivalry since the Cold War has largely been based on the principles of non-alignment, neutralism, and equidistance. However, two contrasting snapshots of the country’s Independence (Merdeka) Day celebration – half a century apart – offer an interesting perspective on whether Malaysia’s contemporary position has shifted away from these principles.

On 31 August 1973, Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak, hastily left the joyous Merdeka celebration midway to depart for Algiers and lead the Malaysian delegation to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) Summit. It was his first time attending the summit. It had taken several attempts for Malaysia to become a NAM member, largely due to Indonesia’s opposition and influence within the Afro-Asian group during the Konfrontasi period. Malaysia’s experience of Konfrontasi and the retreat of the British from the region pushed the country to seek friends among other newly independent states.

When Malaysia finally became a NAM member in 1970, its foreign policy gradually shifted away from heavy reliance on the United Kingdom toward a more neutral and non-aligned stance. Against this background, Tun Razak strongly felt the need for Malaysia to be represented at the highest level in Algiers to signify the country’s commitment to non-alignment – even if it meant leaving the Merdeka celebration halfway.

Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak (Bettmann/Getty Images)

Jump forward just over 50 years to 31 August 2025, Malaysia’s tenth Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, left at the conclusion of the nation’s Merdeka celebration to immediately depart for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. It was the first time Malaysia had participated in the SCO, in which Malaysia is neither a member nor an observer. It was also the first time a Malaysian leader attended China’s “Victory Parade” in Beijing, which this year took place a few days later, to commemorate the end of the Second World War, alongside other leaders including from Russia, North Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Iran.

Since becoming Prime Minister in late 2022, Anwar has visited China four times, with China’s President and Premier reciprocating accordingly (also a total of four times if including the upcoming ASEAN Summit and other meetings next month).

While China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, relations with China have further intensified in recent years both bilaterally and multilaterally. These include Malaysia’s active involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). Stronger ties also extend to decisions to allow Chinese companies to develop the country’s second 5G network and to revitalise Malaysia’s national car industry, the recent acceptance of China’s vision of building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, and the landmark creation of a bilateral mechanism with China to discuss maritime issues. Malaysia’s decision to join BRICS, and the initiative to bring in China into the ASEAN-GCC platform by hosting the first-ever ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, also illustrate the depth of relations.

The actions of the great powers leave little room for Malaysia to manoeuvre, and siding with the more predictable and reliable power seems to be the less risky option.

While Malaysia’s intensification of cooperation with China should not be viewed as a zero-sum game, it is hard to ignore that this occurred against the backdrop of deteriorating relations with the United States. From the perspective of Malaysian leaders, the more benign power and trusted partner today is not the United States, but China. This, in spite of several challenges, particularly in the South China Sea.

In Anwar’s speech during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia earlier this year, he praised China as a rational, steady, and reliable partner amid the turbulence of “economic tribalism” and threats to multilateralism and the rules-based order. Last year, when Anwar spoke off-the-cuff at a business luncheon in honour of Premier Li Qiang in Kuala Lumpur, he commended the attitude of the Chinese leadership as “friendly, courteous, full of respect, [and] understanding of cultures and differences”, in contrast to the “narrative from the others” and the “barrage of questions” from others – especially “the western” – on whether Malaysia’s close relations with China would be in Malaysia’s best interest.

Understandably, as an independent nation, no country appreciates being told who it should be friends with, especially when those doing the lecturing neither act as they preach nor have been reliable friends in the first place.

While closer relations with the United States would still serve Malaysia’s interests – particularly in the realms of the economy and defence – they are proving even more elusive under President Donald Trump. His arbitrary tariff impositions, aggressive rhetoric (even against allies), withdrawals from multilateral organisations, disregard for the rule of law, undermining of the global order, and coddling of Israel have been obstacles for Malaysian leaders in promoting closer ties with the United States. Domestically, various opinion polls in recent years have shown a steady decline in Malaysians’ favourable perceptions towards the United States, while favourable views of China and even Russia have increased significantly.

If the above trend persists, Malaysia might find itself moving even further away from its non-aligned, neutral, and equidistant stances that served it well in the past. At present, however, the actions of the great powers leave little room for Malaysia to manoeuvre, and siding with the more predictable and reliable power seems to be the less risky option.

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 A grand gathering to mark the 80th annivers 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, China's V-Day gathering to start at 9 a.m., Sept 3 at Tian'anmen Square militaryary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which includes a military parade, will start at 9 a.m. on Sept. 3 at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will deliver a speech at the gathering and review troops.

At 8 p.m. of the same day, a commemorative gala will kick off at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi will also attend the event.

The commemorations will be broadcast live by China Media Group and on Xinhuanet. 

 Repated posts: Official media reveals specific arrangements for China's upcoming V-Day military 

Official media reveals specific arrangements for China's upcoming V-Day military parade

 

Rehearsal footage released by China Central Television (CCTV) of the upcoming V-Day military parade. Photo: screenshot of CCTV

 parade Rehearsal footage released by China Central Television (CCTV) of the upcoming V-Day military parade. Photo: screenshot of CCTV

Official media reveals specific arrangements for China's upcoming V-Day military parade

 

Rehearsal footage released by China Central Television (CCTV) of the upcoming V-Day military parade. Photo: screenshot of CCTV

The Tiananmen Square and Chang'an Avenue in Beijing are ready to host the grand ceremony on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On Monday, China Central Television (CCTV) revealed the specific arrangements for this event. 

The grand event includes a 70-minute military parade. The parade is an institutionalized arrangements for national commemorative parades, and key component of the commemorative activities, carrying significant political and historical importance, per the CCTV report. 

The military parade is conducted in two steps: a military review and a march-past. 

In the military review part, the troops will line up along the Chang'an Avenue, to receive review from President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. During the parade march-past, airborne flag-guarding echelons, foot formations, battle flag formations, armament columns and aerial echelons will pass through or fly across Tiananmen Square in order. 

A total of 45 formations and echelons will be involved in the parade.

The airborne flag-guarding echelons, composed of multiple helicopter types in various formations, will lead the parade. By escorting the flags, forming symbolic characters, and displaying banners, the echelons will reflect the nation's growing prosperity and the military's continuous development under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, proclaiming to the world the great truth of the inevitable victory of justice, peace, and the people, according to the CCTV report.

Foot formations will reflect "an old and a new," the report said. The "old" refers to veteran units from the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, with personnel primarily drawn from units descended from the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, South China guerrilla forces, and militias from provinces with wartime revolutionary bases. The "new" reflects the modern structure of military forces, including the "three-in-one" system of armed forces.

The battle flag formations represent the heroic legacy forged in the flames of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. From countless heroes and numerous meritorious flags, a selection of representative flags from different periods, regions, and units has been chosen. These flags, carried by personnel from their respective units, symbolize the enduring spirit of the war, reflecting the people's armed forces' fearless resolve and forward momentum in the face of challenges, per the report.

The armament columns are organized into combat groups based on real combat scenarios, including ground combat, maritime combat, air and missile defense, information warfare, unmanned combat, logistics support, and strategic strike groups. Many of these feature cutting-edge equipment representing the evolution of modern warfare, including some critical national assets, fully demonstrating the People's Liberation Army's formidable capabilities to triumph in modern conflicts.

The aerial echelons, organized in a modular and systematic manner, will consist of advanced early warning and command aircraft, fighters, bombers, transport planes, and more, covering nearly all active main combat aircraft types of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Many are high-profile "star" equipment, with some making their public debut, fully showcasing the leapfrog development of the PLA's air combat capabilities.

What's more, over 1,000 personnel will form the largest joint military band in the history of parades of the People's Republic of China, performing in front of the Monument to the People's Heroes on Tiananmen Square, per the CCTV report. 

The band will play well-known classic songs from the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, evoking memories of that arduous era and honoring the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. New compositions reflecting contemporary themes and the vigor of a strong military will also be performed for the first time in Tiananmen Square.

Global Times

Gathering of 10 defense ministers in Qingdao highlights appeal of 'non-aligned SCO'

 

Defense ministers from all 10 member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gather for a group photo ahead of the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the SCO member states in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province on June 26, 2025. Photo: cnsphoto

From Wednesday to Thursday, the meeting of Ministers of Defense of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States was held in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, drawing extensive international attention. This is because the meeting not only served as a "warm-up event" for the Tianjin SCO Summit this year, but also achieved the "full attendance" of all 10 defense ministers. Amid a complex and turbulent regional and international landscape, the SCO provided member states with a spacious roundtable - highlighting its value in building consensus, narrowing divisions and promoting solidarity.

With Belarus attending the defense ministers' meeting as an SCO member for the first time, Iran's defense minister visiting China just after the Iran-Israel ceasefire as well as India's defense minister visiting China for the first time in five years and "appearing together" with Pakistan's defense minister for the first time after the India-Pakistan conflict - the trust shown by these defense leaders in the SCO underscores the precious coordination and cohesion of this multilateral security organization amid global turbulence. Today's international environment is marked by an acute shortage of public security goods, a glaring security deficit and weakened authority of international organizations - making finding a calm table for dialogue not an easy task. However, the SCO has provided a valuable platform for member states to "seek common ground while resolving difference" and an occasion to forge multilateral consensus. It has not only effectively acted as a "glue" between member states, but has also become a "ballast stone" for regional peace.

Notably, the SCO defense ministers' meeting in Qingdao was held almost simultaneously with the NATO summit in The Hague. On Wednesday, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that unlike NATO, the SCO can "further the peace in this region." China's Defense Minister Dong Jun emphasized that at a time when the international situation is intertwined with changes and turmoil, it is particularly important for the SCO to play the role of a "stabilizing anchor."

While NATO seeks to prove its "value to exist" by searching for so-called "imaginary enemies" worldwide, the SCO's philosophy of "not being an alliance directed against other states and regions" and "adhering to the principle of openness" offers a new approach to global security governance. The "Shanghai Spirit" based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development has lit up the path toward the construction of an equitable and orderly multipolar world order. 

Now in its 25th year, the SCO has expanded from its original six founding members into a "big family" of 10 member states, two observer states, and 14 dialogue partners - stretching from the East European plains to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Rim, and encompassing nearly half of the world's population.

The SCO has become a mature platform for regional security cooperation, with continuously growing influence, cohesion and appeal. Over the past 25 years, this "giant ship of security" has been riding the waves against terrorism, separatism and extremism, making outstanding contributions to regional security. The economic and trade dividends and people-to-people exchanges emerging from security cooperation have also been remarkable, significantly bringing the peoples of the member states closer together in all aspects.

At last July's SCO Summit in Astana, President Xi Jinping proposed five suggestions to jointly build a more promising home of the SCO, sending out the "SCO voice" of solidarity and mutual trust as well as common prosperity and revitalization. As the rotating chair of the SCO for 2024-2025, China remains a pillar of the organization. It champions the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and has put forward a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. It opposes the outdated "beggar-thy-neighbor" strategies and zero-sum mindset, and reaffirms that the security concerns of every nation - big or small - deserve respect. These principles have resonated both within the SCO and globally. From joint counterterrorism drills to intelligence sharing, from economic cooperation to cultural exchanges, the SCO addresses challenges through multilevel collaboration, offering "SCO solutions" to global security issues. It exemplifies the right way for different civilizations to engage with each other, and is helping forge a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. 

From enhancing strategic communication to advancing pragmatic cooperation, the SCO defense ministers' meeting in Qingdao showcased the organization's growth and commitments in the past 25 years. Facts have proven that the SCO is a vital force in maintaining regional peace and stability, and an important platform for building a community with a shared future for mankind. This year, within the SCO framework, China will host more than 100 meetings and events - polishing the "SCO Spirit" with "Chinese actions," and further deepening SCO practical cooperation in various areas. The world looks forward to the SCO paving a new security path for the future of a multipolar world and economic globalization.  - Global Times editorial

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