Lukashenko hails Belarus' membership in SCO

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko hailed Belarus' joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), saying the organization is gaining increasing global significance and economic strength.

In an exclusive interview with the China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday, Lukashenko noted that Belarus's joining the SCO is a thoughtful and strategic decision as the organization's role in international politics has been continuously strengthened.

Belarus became the 10th member state of the SCO in June 2024.

"Joining the SCO family is of vital importance to us. It brings us not only joy and honor, but also inspires all our people -- people from all member states, and including those in Belarus of course. Within the SCO, we possess ample technology and a sufficient workforce. The SCO has now become an organization that is unbreakable, and that cannot be crushed. Now the world's center of gravity of influence is quietly and steadily shifting toward the SCO, and we are a member of the family. Is this good or bad? The answer is easy: it is a good thing. As I remember, 75 percent of our trade comes from SCO member states, which is a very high proportion. The SCO is maintaining a solid and steady development. Perhaps we should adopt China's steady and confident development path. We are like a big family, discussing issues and plans for the future together," he said.

China will host this year's SCO Summit in the northern municipality of Tianjin from Aug 31 to Sept 1.

With leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations in attendance, the summit will be the largest since the SCO's establishment.

Lukashenko hails Belarus' membership in SCO

Lukashenko hails Belarus' membership in SCO

China's pledge of full zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations has been hailed by the African Union (AU) Commission as both a milestone in the continent's modernization drive and proof of China's role as a "true friend" to Africa.

Announced in June 2025, the policy underscores China's readiness to negotiate and sign the China‑Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. By removing tariffs across all product categories, the initiative is expected to cut trade costs for African exporters, expand market access to China, and strengthen the predictability and efficiency of cross‑border commerce.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed gratitude to China, contrasting Beijing's approach with that of other countries that have imposed tariffs or sanctions on Africa.

"Let me start by really being grateful to China. When other countries are imposing tariffs and sanctions on the continent, China is opening its heart and doors for the African member countries. So you know your friends when you are in need. A friend in need is a friend indeed, so China is really a friend to the African countries. And this is the best illustration of that friendship," said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson.

AU chief calls China "true friend" after zero‑tariff pledge to Africa