China has officially announced that it will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Council meeting as part of its rotating presidency for 2024-2025. The high-level diplomatic gathering, to be chaired by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will serve as the political groundwork for the SCO Summit scheduled to take place in Tianjin later this fall. During the meeting, foreign ministers from SCO member states will exchange views on multilateral cooperation and pressing global and regional issues, and are expected to sign important resolutions and policy documents.
Key Updates From China FM Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference on July 14, 2025
On July 14, 2025, the regular press conference of China’s Foreign Ministry featured significant developments in both regional diplomacy and global relations. Spokesperson Lin Jian announced key details surrounding the upcoming Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Council, while also expressing China’s condolences on the passing of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari.
As the rotating president of the SCO for the year 2024-2025, China is preparing to host the organization’s summit in the city of Tianjin later this fall. In preparation for this, China will host the crucial Meeting of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council, which will be chaired by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to Lin Jian, this gathering will serve as an essential political and strategic lead-up to the Tianjin summit.
Foreign ministers from the SCO member states will engage in wide-ranging discussions at the council meeting, covering areas of mutual cooperation as well as pressing international and regional issues. Lin confirmed that various resolutions and important documents are expected to be signed during the meeting.
China aims to utilize this meeting as an opportunity to further the goals set under the theme of its SCO presidency, “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.” Lin emphasized President Xi Jinping’s proposal for building a “common home of the SCO” based on principles of solidarity, mutual trust, peace, prosperity, good-neighborliness, and justice. The spokesperson reiterated that China will work with all member countries to build consensus and introduce actionable cooperation measures that will help usher in a new stage of high-quality development for the SCO.
When asked about any additional briefings surrounding the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting, Lin stated that information would be released in due course and advised the media to stay tuned for further updates.
In another significant moment during the press conference, Lin Jian also addressed the recent passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. In the early hours of July 14 (Beijing time), Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced Buhari’s death through a statement released by his special adviser, revealing that the former leader had passed away in London.
Lin expressed deep condolences, describing Buhari as a “preeminent leader” who guided Nigeria toward meaningful national development. He was also hailed as a true friend of China who had made important contributions to strengthening China-Nigeria relations, particularly in areas of cooperation and bilateral ties.
“We mourn for President Buhari’s passing and offer our deepest sympathies to the government and people of Nigeria and to his family,” Lin said.
The dual developments—a high-level diplomatic conference and a solemn tribute to a respected foreign leader—highlight China’s growing role on the international stage, both in regional diplomacy through the SCO and in maintaining long-standing relationships with global partners like Nigeria.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements made by the Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China during a regular press conference held on July 14, 2025. The information presented here reflects the positions, announcements, and sentiments expressed by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian as publicly released through Chinese state-affiliated media sources. While all efforts have been made to ensure factual accuracy and context, geopolitical developments are dynamic and subject to change.
The content is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not represent any official endorsement or political stance by the publisher of this blog. Readers are advised to follow official government channels and verified news sources for real-time updates and developments related to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China’s diplomatic initiatives, or the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.