China unveils emblem for its SCO presidency

China officially released on Thursday the emblem for its tenure as the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for 2024-25, vowing to take more practical steps to further enhance SCO cooperation.

The emblem, unveiled at a regular news briefing of the Foreign Ministry, uses the SCO emblem as a template and combines it with unique Chinese features. The slogan of China's SCO presidency, "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move", is written around the main body of the emblem in three languages — Chinese, Russian and English.

The outermost circle of the emblem features the classical patterns of cloud, thunder and dragon found on the bronze ware of the pre-Qin period (before 221 BC), interlocked in a traditional style, which symbolizes an unending cycle of hope, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

According to Mao, the earthy and golden colors of the two outer circles indicate that the SCO is solidly rooted and enjoys a golden future, a combination of determination and dynamism.

China formally took over the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-25 following the Astana Summit held in July.

Mao said that China is committed to taking more practical steps to further enhance SCO cooperation in politics, security, economy and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The nation will be more proactive in improving the SCO mechanism, building an SCO community with a shared future, and opening up new space for win-win cooperation, she said.

"As we enter the year 2025, China is advancing its work of presidency at a faster pace. China will host a summit featuring friendship, solidarity and fruitful outcomes, as well as more than 40 institutionalized meetings," Mao said. China will also hold major events including the SCO political parties forum, forum on poverty reduction, forum on people-to-people exchanges and the forum on friendship cities, as well as SCO international investment and trade expo, she said.

The SCO is the first international organization named after a Chinese city and with China as its founding member. Since its establishment in 2001, the SCO has grown into a comprehensive regional cooperation organization with 10 member states, two observer states and 14 dialogue partners.