Preparations for 2025 SCO summit in full swing: Foreign Ministry official

China is comprehensively advancing all preparatory work for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit to be held in the northern Tianjin Municipality this autumn, said Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Bin.

Assuming the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-2025,, China has been putting together more than 100 events in political, security, economic, and people-to-people fields under the theme of "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move."

Considered the most significant annual event of the SCO, the summit serves as a platform for leaders of member states to consult and make decisions on major issues concerning the organization's development and cooperation.

"China, for the time being, is comprehensively advancing all preparatory work, working closely with all parties to draft cooperation plans in political, security, economic, and cultural fields, as well as formulating the SCO's development strategy for the next decade. Efforts are being made to push for the organizational operations, enhance the decision-making efficiency, and discuss significant matters such as the organization's future expansion. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Therefore, the summit will present a unified voice on major international and regional issues and adopt relevant important documents," Liu said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing.

Following Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao, Tianjin will become the fourth Chinese city to host the SCO summit. "Tianjin is a base for advanced manufacturing research and development in China, a northern hub for international shipping, a demonstration zone for financial innovation and operations, a pilot zone for reform and opening up, and a core city in the Bohai Economic Rim. It boasts over 600 years of history as well as an open, diverse and inclusive culture. Holding the SCO summit in Tianjin will surely bring cooperation opportunities of Chinese modernization to the SCO, while showcasing the latest achievements and vitality of China's economic and social development. We believe that the Tianjin summit will present world-class standards and unique value, creating a gathering characterized by friendship, unity, vibrant highlights, and fruitful outcomes," said Liu.

In recent years, the SCO has incorporated new members who recognize the Shanghai Spirit, which is defined by mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development.

Now, with nine member states, three observer states and 14 dialogue partners, the SCO is the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographical scale and population.

Preparations for 2025 SCO summit in full swing: Foreign Ministry official

Preparations for 2025 SCO summit in full swing: Foreign Ministry official

Fuel price hikes due to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict are placing significant cost pressures on livelihood industries in the Philippines and New Zealand, which are heavily dependent on imported energy, while also driving the growth of the new energy vehicle market.

In various gas stations across Manila, the Philippine capital, diesel prices have surged more than twice the levels seen at the end of February, with increases also noted in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices.

Businesses such as restaurants and vendors relying on LPG have expressed concerns over escalating costs, fearing they may soon be unable to cover their expenses.

"The cost of our goods has gone up. Our income has decreased as a result. The money we earn is barely enough to cover restocking, let alone pay our employees' wages," said Rey, a food vendor.

In Auckland, New Zealand, a senior executive at a local car dealership said the surge in fuel prices is prompting more consumers in the country to shift from conventional cars to new energy vehicles.

"(Fuel price hike) really has increased the sale of our electric vehicles, particularly battery electric vehicles. Consumers are now experiencing battery electric vehicles. They see their economic advantage. It's good for the market. It's also good for New Zealand in terms of sustainability," said Simon Rutherford, CEO of Auto Distributors New Zealand, a division of Armstrong Motor Group.

Fuel price hikes squeeze livelihoods in energy-importing Philippines, New Zealand