SCO Summit: Member States Call For Countering 'Protectionist Policies', Sanctions By West
The10-state regional group said that it considers "it important to continue joint efforts to counter protectionist trade measures that are contrary to WTO rules".
The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Wednesday criticised what it called protectionist trade measures, which are part of an intensifying standoff between Beijing and Western countries over tariffs on Chinese products. In a joint communique, the 10-state regional group also hit out at "unilateral sanctions" as member states Iran and Russia face curbs on trade.
The criticism came following heads of government meeting of the SCO in Islamabad, in a joint statement signed by 10 member countries, including China, India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and host Pakistan.
The grouping also reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful settlement of differences and disputes among the countries through dialogue and consultations. It statement noted that the member states advocate "respect for the rights of peoples to independently and democratically choose their political, social and economic development, emphasising that the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of States, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force are the basis for the sustainable development of international relations."
The China-led 10-state regional group said that it considers "it important to continue joint efforts to counter protectionist trade measures that are contrary to WTO rules".
The United States and Canada have increased tariffs on Chinese products such as electric vehicles, aluminium and steel, and the European Union is set to follow suit. Beijing has termed the moves discriminatory and responded with similar actions as the standoff intensifies.
The SCO also said that the "unilateral application of sanctions" is against international law and has a "negative impact on third countries and international economic relations."
Russia and Iran, both members of the SCO, face sanctions from the West. Both possess some of the world's largest energy resources. Sanctions have meant that smaller countries have shied away from trade with the two, even as larger more influential economies, such as China and India, continue to purchase energy from them. However, energy-starved Pakistan does not import fuel from neighbouring Iran despite its cost-effectiveness, due to Islamabad fearing US sanctions.
The member countries also reaffirmed the intention to promote the proposal for the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly in connection with the SCO Initiative “On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony and Development”. In the statement, heads of delegations also confirmed the relevance of initiatives to promote interaction in building a new type of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as the formation of a common vision of the idea of creating a community of common destiny of mankind and the development of dialogue on the idea of "One Earth. One Family. One Future".
The statement "reaffirmed that the Member States intend to further develop cooperation in the spheres of politics and security, trade, economy, finance and investment, and cultural and humanitarian ties in order to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous and ecologically clean planet Earth to achieve harmonious coexistence of man and nature."
"The Heads of Delegation noted the tectonic shifts in the global economy, characterized by rapid advancements and interconnectivity in the areas of information technology, digitalization, artificial intelligence, virtual/digital assets, e-commerce, etc. They expressed concern over the exacerbation of various challenges that have led to reduced investment flows, disrupted supply chains and uncertainty in global financial markets as a result of protectionist measures and other impediments to international trade," it said.
Further, the statement noted that member countries consider it important to "continue joint efforts to counter protectionist trade measures that are contrary to WTO rules and regulations, as well as to continue working on strengthening the rules-based WTO, non-discriminatory, open, equitable, inclusive and transparent multilateral trading system, based on the WTO."
The Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan while reaffirming support for the People's Republic of China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, noted ongoing work on joint implementation of the project, including efforts to bridge the Eurasian Economic Union and OBOR.
The next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the SCO Member States will be held in 2025 in the Russian Federation.
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