The 25th SCO summit, the largest in the organisation's history, has opened in Tianjin. Leaders from more than 20 countries and representatives from 10 international organisations are participating in the event. This was reported by the IIC.

This is the fifth time China has hosted the anniversary meeting, and Tianjin is the fourth host city after Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao. According to Xi Jinping, the SCO today unites 26 states, covers more than 50 areas of cooperation and has a combined economy of almost $30 trillion.

Up to 3,000 journalists from more than 50 countries are participating in the summit, for whom a modern press centre has been set up. The agenda includes a ‘SCO+’ meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other international leaders, underscoring the organisation's growing influence.