Former Iranian ambassador on SCO's importance, China's development model

Mohammad Keshavarzzadeh, a former Iranian ambassador to China, stressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)'s vital role in regional and global development. He highlighted China's significant contributions to discouraging unilateralism and fostering multilateralism.

In a recent interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Tehran, the capital of Iran, Keshavarzzadeh praised the SCO's achievements over the past few years.

"Over the years, the SCO has achieved significant milestones. The common interests of its member states dictate that the organization should play a greater role in regional and global developments. The achievements of this organization will undoubtedly influence the future of humanity as well as regional and international organizations. We are pleased that Iran is now a full member of the SCO," he said.

Established 24 years ago by China and its five neighboring countries, the SCO now comprises 10 member states, two observer states, and 14 dialogue partners from Asia, Europe, and Africa. It has grown into a regional cooperation organization with the largest population and geographic coverage, as well as significant development potential.

Keshavarzzadeh pointed to China's role in advancing the SCO's objectives.

"Fortunately, under the initiative of President Xi Jinping at the 2024 SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, the issue of sustainable development for the year 2025 was proposed. In my opinion, this should be regarded as a crucial priority for SCO countries. One of the key challenges facing our region is the lack of development. Given China's remarkable progress in recent years and its valuable experience in this field, China's developmental governance can serve as a model for SCO countries," he said.

During the 2024 SCO Summit in Astana, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that 2025 be designated as the SCO Year of Sustainable Development, aiming to help SCO members focus on fostering new growth forces. He stated that regional cooperation will be promoted through platforms such as the demonstration base for agricultural technology exchange and training, the local economic and trade cooperation demonstration area, and the ecological and environmental innovation base.

The former ambassador expressed his belief that China can strengthen efforts against unilateralism.

"With China assuming the SCO presidency for this year, it has the opportunity to strengthen efforts against unilateralism and promote multilateralism. As the former ambassador of Iran to China, I firmly believe that China can help counter the unilateral policies of the United States, which have become increasingly severe in recent years," he said.

Since assuming the SCO presidency in July 2024, China has hosted over 100 events as the SCO chair, and nearly half are institutional events, covering multiple areas such as politics, security, military, economy and trade, investment, energy, education, connectivity, technological innovation, green industry, digital economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

The SCO Summit 2025 will be held in Tianjin Municipality, northern China, on August 31 and September 1.

Former Iranian ambassador on SCO's importance, China's development model

The ongoing military exercise around Taiwan Island conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is a necessary measure to maintain peace and defend justice, Fred Tzou, deputy secretary general of the U.S.-based Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification, said on Monday.

The Eastern Theater Command of the PLA on Monday started drills code-named "Justice Mission 2025" in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of Taiwan Island.

Tzou said the drill is a powerful response to recent U.S. arms sales plan to Taiwan totaling over 11 billion U.S. dollars.

"The root cause of the tensions across the Taiwan Strait is that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities refuse to admit the 1992 Consensus and the one-China principle. They seek separation in collusion with external forces and by use of military means. They heap up malicious slander and attacks against the mainland. They claim to be willing to improve the cross-Strait ties, but shows no sincerity in action. The arms sales with the United States this time infringe upon the peace and stability across the Strait and Taiwan people's interests," he said.

"As the spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command said, the drill named 'Justice Mission 2025' is a stern warning to Taiwan separatist forces and external interference. It is also a necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty and uphold national unity," said Tzou.

Tzou said the United States needs to work with China and respect China's core interests for common prosperity.

"The total amount of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan this time exceeds 11 billion U.S. dollars, setting a new record. In fact, such act constitutes a serious violation of the fundamental spirit of the three joint communiques between the United States and China, especially the August 17 Communique released in 1982," he said.

"Confrontation between China and the United States over the Taiwan issue does not serve U.S. interests. The two countries share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. China and the United States could become partners and friends and achieve mutual success and common prosperity," said Tzou.

Justice Mission 2025 aims at defending justice: expert