Chinese Premier Li Qiang's attendance at SCO meeting in Russia: China’s Growing Responsible Major-Country Role in Eurasian Development?

As Chinese Premier Li Qiang is going to attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Moscow on November 17–18, expectations are rising across Eurasia for renewed vitality in regional cooperation, strengthened developmental synergy, and a shared commitment to peace and stability.

Premier Li’s trip comes at a pivotal moment. As the global landscape continues to undergo transformation marked by geopolitical uncertainty, sluggish economic recovery, and complex security challenges, the SCO stands out as a key platform for dialogue, collaboration, and regional solidarity. China’s participation rooted in principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation reinforces its long-standing role as a stabilizer and growth engine across the vast Eurasian region.

For example, SCO meetings serve as important confidence-building measures among member countries. Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the Tianjin Summit this year could positively reshape China–India relations. Thus, member states can use this useful platform for good neighborhood, good understandings and better ties. Li Qiang's all engagement and meetings with participators in Moscow may establish more good links with neighboring countries.  

As China charts innovation and new growth drivers as its economic engine for its 2026–30 Five-Year Plan, this will create huge opportunities for SCO countries. It may also help align China’s development agenda with that of other SCO member states.

A Strong Commitment to Multilateralism and Shared Security

Since its establishment more than two decades ago, the SCO has grown into one of the world’s largest and most influential regional organizations, representing nearly half of the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output. Its importance is felt not only in economic and cultural fields but also in security cooperation, where member states share a determination to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Premier Li’s attendance signals China’s unwavering support for true multilateralism, a concept China continues to champion at a time when unilateral actions and protectionism pose significant challenges to global stability.

In recent years, the SCO has played a crucial role in facilitating security dialogue and fostering trust among neighboring states. China’s contributions, from joint anti-terrorism exercises to intelligence exchange mechanisms, have helped strengthen collective security capabilities. This year’s meeting is expected to deepen these efforts, emphasizing cooperation in border security, cybersecurity, and counter-narcotics operations.

China’s approach is guided by the concept of a shared community of security, one that focuses on addressing root causes of conflict, encouraging political dialogue, and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes. In this context, Premier Li’s presence in Moscow highlights China’s readiness to work collaboratively, to consolidate security partnerships, and to maintain regional stability in the face of evolving risks.

Driving High-Quality Economic Growth Across Eurasia

Economic collaboration remains the backbone of SCO cooperation. At a time when global economic recovery is uneven, SCO members are seeking new drivers of shared growth. China, with its vast market, robust industrial base, and growing technological capabilities, continues to serve as a key engine of regional development.

In Moscow, Premier Li is expected to emphasize China’s commitment to high-quality, practical cooperation, especially in areas such as digital trade, cross-border logistics, green development, and technological innovation. Over the past decade, China’s trade with other SCO members has expanded steadily, and investment partnerships have deepened from energy pipelines to industrial parks and transport infrastructure.

A central theme of the meeting will be enhancing interconnectivity. The synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the development strategies of SCO countries has already produced significant results. New rail routes, upgraded highways, and streamlined customs procedures have facilitated smoother trade flows and strengthened supply chain resilience.

Looking ahead, China aims to work with partners to advance projects that support economic modernization, including e-commerce cooperation zones, green energy corridors, and industrial digitalization initiatives. These efforts are expected to unlock new opportunities, create jobs, and support sustainable development across the region.

Championing Innovation and Green Development

As the global community confronts climate change and strives for greener growth paths, China has put forward a wide-ranging vision for environmental cooperation within the SCO framework. Premier Li is expected to reiterate China’s readiness to share its experience in renewable energy deployment, environmental protection, and climate governance.

Over the years, the SCO has increasingly prioritized environmental cooperation, recognizing that issues such as desertification, water scarcity, and extreme weather events require collective solutions. China’s technological advancements in solar power, wind energy, smart agriculture, and ecological restoration have provided a valuable reference model for many member states.

In Moscow, new cooperation proposals in green finance, carbon reduction technology, and digital solutions for ecological monitoring are likely to be discussed. These initiatives reflect China’s broader goal: helping the region transition toward low-carbon, innovation-driven development, while ensuring that no member state is left behind.

Enhancing People-to-People Connectivity

Beyond security and economics, China has consistently emphasized the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges as a foundation for long-term friendship among SCO members. Educational programs, youth exchanges, tourism cooperation, and cultural festivals have all played a role in strengthening societal ties.

As cross-border travel gradually rebounds in the post-pandemic era, China is expected to encourage expanded cooperation in education, vocational training, media collaboration, and cultural preservation. Initiatives that support language learning, student mobility, and cultural tourism will continue to foster mutual understanding and goodwill among peoples of the region.

Premier Li’s visit also coincides with growing enthusiasm among young people in SCO countries to explore new opportunities from innovation programs to entrepreneurship training offered through various SCO channels. Such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Eurasian cooperation.

Strengthening the SCO’s Global Influence

In recent years, the SCO has welcomed new dialogue partners and observers, broadening its international footprint. The organization’s expanding membership demonstrates its growing attractiveness as a platform for inclusive cooperation.

China firmly supports an open, inclusive, and forward-looking SCO that continues to enhance its role in global and regional affairs. As more countries express interest in engagement, the SCO’s collective voice in shaping international economic and security governance becomes stronger.

Premier Li’s participation in this year’s meeting underscores China’s commitment to strengthening the organization’s institutional capacity, improving coordination mechanisms, and enhancing the SCO’s ability to respond to global challenges. By advancing cooperation in trade, finance, innovation, and sustainable development, China continues to help consolidate the SCO’s position as a model of multilateral cooperation in Eurasia.

China’s Steadfast Support for a Shared Future

As Premier Li arrives in Moscow for the SCO Government Heads Meeting, China stands ready to work hand-in-hand with all partners to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected region. In an era of uncertainty, the SCO represents a valuable platform for cooperation rooted in equality, mutual trust, and shared benefit.

China’s approach remains clear: support regional stability, promote high-quality development, enhance people-to-people bonds, and strengthen multilateralism. Through these efforts, China continues to contribute positively to a future in which Eurasian nations grow together, support each other, and collectively shape a more balanced and harmonious global order.

Written by Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan

Author's Bio: Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan, is a Dhaka, Bangladesh-based independent columnist and freelance journalist, writer on contemporary international issues whose work has been published in many local and international publications. 

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