Xi Jinping Pushes AI Cooperation, Rejects ‘Cold War Mentality’ at SCO Summit in China
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence while rejecting what he described as a “Cold War mentality.” Speaking at the SCO summit in Tianjin on Monday, Xi positioned China as a global peacemaker amid intensifying trade tensions with the United States, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East.
The summit, the largest in SCO history, brought together more than 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ahead of his address, Xi briefly joined Putin and Modi during a group photo session, signaling a potential thaw in China-India relations. Analysts say improved ties with India could boost Beijing’s influence in the region and strengthen multipolar cooperation.
Xi announced that China has invested $84 billion in SCO member states and pledged to support 10,000 students through the “Luban” vocational education program. He emphasized that the gathering represents a chance to chart a new phase of “high-quality development and cooperation.” Over the weekend, Xi held bilateral meetings with leaders such as Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Cambodia’s Hun Manet, further expanding China’s diplomatic outreach.
India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Modi and Xi agreed on the need for stable cooperation, stressing that mutual respect and partnership are essential for the growth of their combined 2.8 billion people. Experts note that China’s reconciliation with India could provide New Delhi with access to critical intellectual property needed for industrialization, while simultaneously weakening U.S. efforts to portray Beijing as a global disruptor.
Observers say the SCO summit could become a platform for China to enhance its geopolitical standing, particularly by leveraging ties with Russia and other member states to influence peace efforts in Ukraine. The summit is expected to conclude with a joint statement, while China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will hold a press briefing later Monday.
Source: cnbc