In a pivotal summit in China's Qingdao, defense ministers from the ten Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states emphasized the importance of dialogue and multilateral cooperation to address escalating global conflicts and ensure regional stability.

Hosted by Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, the annual SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting highlighted strategic coordination amid rising international uncertainty, especially amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

China and Iran reaffirm their partnership amid regional and global crises

During a bilateral meeting, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s stance and criticized unilateral and hegemonic actions as major causes of global instability.

“In a world undergoing profound change, unilateralism, protectionism, and power politics are undermining the international order,” Dong added.

“The defence departments of SCO member states must uphold the organization’s founding principles, enhance practical cooperation, and promote a peaceful environment for development.”

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh expressed gratitude for China’s support amid recent regional attacks, emphasizing Iran’s hope that China will continue to help preserve ceasefires and reduce tensions.

The meeting marked a historic moment as defence chiefs from India and Pakistan sat at the same table for the first time since last month’s Kashmir flare-up, reports CGTN.

Belarus and Iran, the SCO’s newest full members, participated for the first time in this capacity, underscoring the organization’s expanding scope and influence.

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun welcomed all attendees and called for enhanced defence cooperation under the Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, which advocates for shared, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.

SCO’s evolving role as a stabilizing force

Xiao Bin, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted the SCO as a unique multilateral security platform that prioritizes non-alignment, non-confrontation, and consensus-driven cooperation.

“It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the regional landscape, mitigating destabilizing factors, and fostering peaceful dialogue during conflicts,” Xiao stated.

Under China's rotating chairmanship, the SCO has engaged in active defence diplomacy. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang of China’s Ministry of National Defense emphasized that recent SCO initiatives have strengthened trust and amplified the organization’s collective voice on international security.

“These meetings have provided an essential platform for dialogue and consensus among member states,” Zhang said.

Amid rising global tensions, the SCO continues to serve as a forum where strategic communication, mutual respect, and regional cooperation remain vital.