China criticizes intimidatory behavior in the world order and proposes a replacement for NATO
The Chinese leader made these comments during the opening of the SCO summit, which China and Russia describe as an alternative to NATO.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday criticized “bullying behavior” in the world order as he opened a summit with world leaders in the northern city of Tianjin.
Xi urged the leaders, including Vladimir Putin of Russia and Narendra Modi of India, to “adhere to fairness and justice... oppose the Cold War mentality, free-for-all confrontation and bullying behavior.”
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is holding a two-day summit with its 10 participating countries: China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus, along with 16 other affiliated countries as observers or “dialogue partners.”
China and Russia have referred to the SCO as an alternative to NATO.
“The current international situation is becoming “chaotic and interconnected,” Xi told the gathering.
“The security and development tasks facing member states are becoming more challenging,” he added.
“Looking back, despite tumultuous times, we have achieved success by practicing the Shanghai Spirit,” he said, referring to the group’s name.
“Looking ahead, with the world facing turbulence and transformation, we must carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, keep our feet on the ground, move forward with determination, and better perform the organization’s functions,” he said.