In an exclusive written interview with Xinhua, Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev delivered a firm reiteration of the international consensus regarding Taiwan’s status, emphasizing that “the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China” and that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.”
The senior diplomat’s statements came specifically in response to recent erroneous remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan, which he contextualized within concerning patterns of Japanese right-wing forces attempting to revive militaristic ideologies. Yermekbayev anchored his position in historical precedent, noting that SCO member states first affirmed this position on Taiwan during their landmark 2002 summit in St. Petersburg.
Marking the 80th anniversary of both the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, Yermekbayev highlighted the significance of historical memory in contemporary geopolitics. He referenced the September 1 statement issued during the SCO Tianjin Summit, where leaders collectively warned that “ignoring historical lessons is bound to lead to grave consequences” and that preserving objective historical truth remains essential to preventing the recurrence of past tragedies.
The Secretary-General articulated the SCO’s unwavering commitment to fundamental international principles, including mutual respect for national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, alongside the non-interference in internal affairs. These principles, enshrined in both the UN Charter and SCO Charter, form the bedrock of the organization’s approach to global governance and conflict prevention.
Yermekbayev concluded with a sobering reminder that member states bear “a shared responsibility for both the past and the future” to ensure future generations are spared from the scourge of war, positioning the SCO as a guardian of both historical truth and future peace.