The Shanghai Cooperation Organization's alternative to the Western model: multipolar order, sovereignty, and a halt to interference

The countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO support “respect for the right of peoples to independently and democratically choose their own paths of political and socio-economic development”, noting that “the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs and non-threat or use of force are the basis for sustainable development of international relations”. This is what is written in the Tianjin Declaration, at the end of the 25th SCO Summit, as an alternative to the US-led Western model.

Furthermore, the SCO countries adhere to policies"that exclude bloc-based approaches and confrontational logics in solving international development problems," denouncing the increase in geopolitical confrontation, challenges, and threats to security and stability. The leaders of more than 20 countries, starting with China, Russia, and India, once again"firmly" condemned the attacks by Israel and the United States in June against Iran, a SCO member."Such aggressive actions against civilian facilities, including nuclear facilities, which have resulted in the deaths of civilians, constitute a serious violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, as well as an act of violation of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the document reads. The safety"of nuclear facilities must be ensured at all times, including during periods of armed conflict."

Similar condemnation was also reiterated for the attacks against civilians and the actions that led to the destruction of Gaza. "Expressing once again deep concern at the continued escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Member States firmly condemn the actions that have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip." To this end, they call for"a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid, and increased efforts to achieve peace, stability, and security in the region."

On Afghanistan, the SCO leaders committed themselves to building an “ independent, neutral and peaceful country”, free of “terrorism, war and drugs” expressing their willingness “to support the efforts of the international community towards the formation of an inclusive government, representing representatives of all ethnic and political groups in Afghan society. They also strongly condemned the terrorist attacks of April 25 in Pahalgam, India, strongly requested by New Delhi.

The summit produced 24 documents in areas such as security, economy, cultural exchanges and cooperation between institutions, as well as a strategic document for the SCO 2026-2035, a declaration of support for the international trade system and a declaration on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.