The optimism of ‘Shanghai Spirit’

We are fed up with news of bombing, missiles, wars, attacks, killings and disasters, which are very common today. Whenever you switch on the TV or radio or read the news, there are always highly negative reports dominating the headlines. From the Cold War to the war on terror and the new world order, geopolitics are full of atrocities and brutalities. Under this scenario, we might turn our attention to a more positive idea – “Shanghai Spirit”.

When President Xi Jinping made his keynote address at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, which was held June 9-10 in Qingdao, China, he summarized the concept of “Shanghai Spirit” in his talk.

“Shanghai Spirit, surmount difficulties, defuse risks and meet challenges head on”. No doubts we are passing through difficult times, but we should understands our challenges and issues. Try to overcome challenges by innovative, green and coordinated efforts. Definitely we have to narrow down the gap of unbalanced economic and social developments of various countries promote shared prosperity for all.

“We should pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security”. Security is the biggest challenge of today’s world. We should unite to fight against unhealthy mentality of past by some nations to seek security at the expense of other nations. Work together for security to all nations equally.
“We should promote open and inclusive cooperation for win-win outcomes”. Chinese philosophy believes and promotes “Win-Win” situation for all. This may be achieved by implementation the WTO practices by all nations in true spirit. Trade must be free and fair among all nations. We may oppose protectionism and work together for openness and liberalization of trade further.

“We should champion equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness between civilizations”. Harmony and mutual understanding of each other’s cultures may resolve most of our issues. Avoid civilizations clash and confrontations, respect each other, help each other and care each other.

“We should follow the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration in engaging in global governance”. We should be more open and broad in vision. We may improve the global governance system, and work with each other to build a community of shared future for whole humanity.

Based on “Shanghai Spirit”, the SCO will move forward and may promote “peace, harmony and prosperity”. Today the world needs peace and security more than anything else. There is no single place on this earth that is absolutely safe. In various parts of the world, humans are being killed in war or terrorism, by bombs or guns. Today, we face conventional and unconventional threats. The challenges we face today are rather complex in nature. “Shanghai Spirit” is a positive approach to rescue humanity. Let’s exercise this spirit within SCO states and gradually widen its circle globally.

China has emerged as the second largest economy without harming any other nations, without fighting any wars, and without occupying any other countries. In the modern world, this is a unique example of development. China has used its soft power, centuries-old wisdom, hard work and attractive policy reforms. It has also created conducive environments, enabled economic activities, and focused on the welfare of its common citizens. China’s experience may be replicated globally and achieve welfare for all of humanity.

We support “Shanghai Spirit” and are very optimistic about its future development. We must learn from our mistakes in the past and implement “Shanghai Spirit” in its true sense.

The author is a sinologist and nonresident fellow of the Center for China and Globalization at the National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.