BEIJING – Since envisaging a revolving presidency for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in July 2024, China has led a series of dynamic cooperation initiatives in line with eight key areas of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
Proposed by President Xi Jinping, GDI highlights joint advances in poverty reduction, food security, public health, funding for development, climate change and environmental growth, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity.
In line with these efforts, the Chinese city in northeastern China in Liaon Province will host two major SCO events from July 3rd to July 5th, 2025. Co-hosted by the SCO’s Goodwill, Friendship and Cooperation Committee (GNFCC), these well-known gatherings are expected to call hundreds of representatives from SCO member states, observer countries and dialogue partners “deepen friendship from people to people and advance sustainable development.”
To strengthen intercultural dialogue and international awareness, the GNFCC has also expanded its invitation to 16 media representatives from countries affiliated with the SCO. The visiting journalist will begin his journey at Daryan on Tuesday, then proceed to Shenyan on Thursday for the forum.
Shenyan: Ancient Palace Supplies the Technology of Tomorrow
Shenyan, the capital of Liaoning Province, is a northeast Asian hub that combines rich history, industrial power and global connections.
– Heritage and Culture: With over 2,300 years of city history, it hosts three UNESCO sites (Imperial Palace, Fulhua/Spirits of Saar, US), and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty.
– Industrial power: known as China’s “Equipment Department,” leading aviation, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
– Innovation Hub: With 45 universities, 29 academics and over 25,000 high-tech companies, ranked among the top 100 science clusters globally.
– Global connectivity: Equipped with relationships with Freight Train Hubs, FTZs and 221 countries/regions in China. It hosts seven consulates and 102 sister cities.
– Living: Pride in the finest healthcare, education and sports facilities, it has the top ranked happiness index and the honor of “National Civilisation City.”
Darian: China’s coastal power
Strategically placed between the Yellow and Boy Seas, Darian is a thriving metropolitan city that combines rich history with modern innovation. As one of China’s major virtuoso cities, it offers a unique combination of economic vitality, cultural heritage and natural beauty.
– Status: One of the 15 sub-local giants in China with economic planning privileges
– Geography: 13,700 km² area with 7.54 million residents in 10 administrative sectors
– Culture: 17,000 years of history, 2024 East Asia’s cultural capital, the famous “Football City”
– Environment: Over 300 clean air days, 2019, China’s longest coastline, UNESCO natural heritage site
– Economy: Industry leaders in shipbuilding and petrochemicals, growing AI and clean energy sector
– Living: Ranked in the top 10 most beautiful and livable cities in China (2024)
By holding SCO forums in China and introducing cities like Darian, China reaffirms its commitment to multilateral cooperation and comprehensive development. Through people-to-people exchange, media engagement and urban level diplomacy, China continues to defend a future of shared prosperity, sustainable growth and international friendship.
As the world sees, Shenyan and Darian are set up to show how nations can be more closely connected in an age where bridges of history, culture and innovation are interconnected.