China Hosts Defence Ministers from Russia, Iran at Key SCO Meeting in Qingdao
China hosted senior defence officials from Iran, Russia, and several other nations on Thursday in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, as part of a high-level meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The meeting took place amid ongoing global geopolitical developments and increasing cooperation among NATO member countries, who recently held a summit in The Hague focused on increasing defence spending.
🌍 Strengthening Regional Cooperation Through SCO
The SCO, a 10-member regional alliance, aims to promote cooperation in security, politics, trade, and science among its member nations. China, one of the key founders of the organisation, has consistently positioned the SCO as a platform for regional collaboration and mutual development.
Speaking at the meeting, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in ensuring regional peace and stability.
Dong also noted rising concerns about unilateralism and protectionism, calling for collaborative approaches to navigate global uncertainty.
🛡️ Russian and Iranian Participation
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov addressed the meeting, noting the complex global security situation. According to the Russian defence ministry, he described the international environment as “difficult”, with signs of “further deterioration” in global stability.
Iran’s Defence Minister was also present, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. While recent tensions involving Iran have drawn international attention, analysts say China’s involvement remains diplomatic and cautious, reflecting its efforts to maintain balanced relations across regions.
🤝 India and Other Countries Join the Dialogue
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also participated in the Qingdao meeting, highlighting the importance of unity within the SCO.
Defence ministers from Pakistan, Belarus, and other SCO members were also in attendance, reinforcing the organisation’s role as a hub for multilateral dialogue and cooperation.
🚢 Qingdao: A Strategic Venue
Qingdao, a strategic location with one of China’s key naval bases, served as a fitting venue for the discussions. The city symbolizes China’s growing focus on maritime security and regional defence coordination.
The SCO meeting underscores China’s continued effort to build regional partnerships, promote dialogue, and contribute to peaceful development across Asia and beyond.
