Tianjin Declaration | Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

Why in the News? 

The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was held in Tianjin, China, under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

• The Tianjin Declaration was adopted, condemning terrorism (including Pahalgam, Jaffar Express, and Khuzdar attacks).

Key Points of the Summit & Tianjin Declaration:

Condemnation of Terrorism

• Strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
• Called for ending the cross-border movement of terrorists.
• PM Modi highlighted the need to oppose terrorism “in all its forms and colours.”

Opposition to Unilateral Sanctions

• The declaration opposed unilateral coercive measures (economic sanctions/tariffs) that violate the UN Charter & WTO rules – a veiled reference to U.S. actions.

Geopolitical Concerns

• Condemnation of Israel’s strikes in Gaza and the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• Support for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.
• Reaffirmed UNSC resolution 2231 (lifting sanctions on Iran).
• Urged an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

Institutional & Structural Decisions

• Merger of “Observer” and “Dialogue Partner” into one category: Partner Country.
• With Laos joining as a partner, the SCO now comprises 10 member states and 17 partner nations, totaling 27 countries.
• Agreement to set up an SCO Development Bank (long-term Chinese ambition).

China’s Announcements

• Proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
• Declared grants of ¥2 billion in 2025 along with a ¥10 billion loan facility spanning three years for SCO banks.
• Pushed for greater support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (India remained opposed).

India’s Stand

• Condemned terrorism & highlighted dangers of state-sponsored terrorism.
• Supported humanitarian approach in Gaza but opposed China’s BRI.
• Modi also met Putin, stressing ceasefire in Ukraine and deeper bilateral cooperation.

About the Tianjin Declaration (2025):

• Focus Areas:

• Condemnation of terrorism, separatism, extremism.
• Rejection of unilateral economic coercion.
• Support for multipolarity & Global South cooperation.
• Deep concern over the Gaza war and humanitarian crisis.
• Call for inclusive governance in Afghanistan.
• Reaffirmation of Iran nuclear deal resolution.
• Support (except India) for Belt and Road Initiative.
• Promotion of SCO Development Bank.

About Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

• Introduced by Xi Jinping during the 2025 SCO Summit.
• Seeks to:

• Promote a fair, just, multipolar world order.
• Reform the global governance system with multilateralism at its core.
• Support the UN’s central role in global decision-making.
• Encourage Global South leadership in governance reforms.
• Prioritize people-centered approach, equality, and adherence to international rule of law.

• Seen as a Chinese counter to Western-dominated institutions (like IMF, World Bank, WTO).