Journalist’s Notes: Experiencing the Unity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at a Northern Port
The “World Mayors Dialogue · SCO Summit Cities” event was held in Tianjin from July 6th to 9th. This port city welcomed many guests from member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
On the 7th, many participants chose to visit the Tianjin Port North疆港区C段智能化集装箱码头—the world’s first “smart zero-carbon” terminal—as the first stop of their Tianjin trip, gaining an in-depth understanding of the latest developments at this world-class smart and green hub port.
Smart transport robots operating at Tianjin Port’s Second Container Terminal on June 19 (drone photo).
“Today, Tianjin Port is not only China’s gateway to the world but also the world’s gateway to China,” remarked a participant from Kyrgyzstan while feeling the sea breeze at Tianjin Port.
As a key intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative and a crucial node in the New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor, this port—which maintains trade relations with over 500 ports in more than 180 countries and regions—stands as a testament to China’s growing ties with the world.
A cargo ship preparing to dock at Tianjin Port’s Pacific International Container Terminal on April 8 (drone photo).
When mayors from SCO summit cities, diplomats, and experts gathered at Tianjin Port, they marveled at its advanced technology and connectivity. “The innovations here not only improve logistics efficiency but also enhance the connection between regions and the world through maritime routes,” noted one observer.
In May, the first 2025 Tianjin-Khorgos-Tashkent Central Asia freight train departed, carrying 50 containers of auto parts, machinery, and other goods. This direct route further streamlined logistics between Tianjin and SCO member states, injecting new momentum into regional economic cooperation.
“For years, Tianjin Port has leveraged its geographic advantages to promote China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight services, facilitating trade with SCO countries,” said a representative from Tianjin Port Group Logistics. The port operates regular freight routes to Erlianhot, Alashankou, and Khorgos, ranking among the top coastal ports in terms of freight volume.
Connecting the world is not only the port’s mission but also the SCO’s vision. Many SCO member states share borders—and even mountains and rivers—with China; today, they also share development opportunities.
International guests learning about the “smart zero-carbon” terminal at Tianjin Port on July 7.
“Compared to other global governance bodies, the SCO is relatively young but has already achieved much in promoting peace and development,” noted one expert. “It is a platform for trust and mutual benefit.”
China treats all nations equally, fosters strong relationships, and generously shares its experiences. “Bringing Eurasian countries to the same table to encourage dialogue and cooperation is itself a major accomplishment,” the expert added.
Within the SCO, every country has a voice. “Through collaboration, SCO nations can achieve far more together than alone,” concluded another participant.
About: World Mayors Dialogue · SCO Summit Cities
The *World Mayors Dialogue · SCO Summit Cities* is a platform for mayors and urban leaders from cities within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to discuss sustainable development, urban governance, and regional cooperation. It emerged from the SCO’s focus on fostering multilateral ties among Eurasian cities, promoting economic growth, and addressing shared challenges like infrastructure and smart city initiatives. The dialogue highlights the role of cities in global diplomacy and aligns with the SCO’s broader goals of enhancing collaboration among member nations.
About: Tianjin Port North疆港区C段智能化集装箱码头
Tianjin Port’s North疆港区C段智能化集装箱码头 (C Section of the Intelligent Container Terminal in Beijiang Port Area) is a state-of-the-art automated terminal in Tianjin, China, designed to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions through advanced technologies like 5G and AI. Opened in 2021, it is part of Tianjin Port’s expansion as one of the world’s busiest hubs, reflecting China’s push for smart, green port infrastructure. The terminal underscores Tianjin’s historical role as a key trade gateway since the 19th century, now modernized for 21st-century global shipping demands.
About: Tianjin Port’s Second Container Terminal
Tianjin Port’s Second Container Terminal is a major hub in northern China, playing a vital role in the country’s maritime trade and logistics. Opened as part of Tianjin Port’s expansion to handle growing cargo volumes, it features advanced automation and efficient operations. Historically, Tianjin Port has been a key trade gateway since the 19th century, with the Second Container Terminal modernizing its infrastructure to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
About: Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013, is a global infrastructure and economic development strategy aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. Inspired by the ancient Silk Road, it involves building roads, ports, railways, and other projects to foster cooperation among participating countries. Critics highlight concerns over debt sustainability and geopolitical influence, while supporters emphasize its potential for boosting economic growth and integration.
About: New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor
The New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor is a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at enhancing trade and infrastructure connectivity between China and Europe via Central Asia. Established in the 2010s, it revitalizes ancient Silk Road routes by integrating rail, road, and logistics networks to boost cross-continental trade. The corridor promotes economic cooperation among participating countries, reducing transportation time and costs compared to traditional maritime routes.
About: Tianjin Port’s Pacific International Container Terminal
The Tianjin Port’s Pacific International Container Terminal is a major hub in northern China, playing a key role in global trade. Opened in the early 2000s, it is one of the largest and most advanced container terminals in the world, leveraging Tianjin’s strategic location near Beijing. The terminal has significantly boosted regional economic growth and strengthened China’s maritime logistics network.
About: Tianjin-Khorgos-Tashkent Central Asia freight train
The Tianjin-Khorgos-Tashkent freight train is a key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, connecting Tianjin, China, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, via the Khorgos dry port on the China-Kazakhstan border. Launched to boost trade between China and Central Asia, it transports goods like electronics, machinery, and textiles, significantly reducing transit times compared to sea routes. This route highlights China’s efforts to enhance regional infrastructure and economic ties across Eurasia.
About: Erlianhot
Erlianhot (also known as Erenhot) is a small city in Inner Mongolia, China, near the border with Mongolia. It is famous for its dinosaur fossils and the “Dinosaur City” museum, showcasing discoveries from the surrounding Gobi Desert. Historically, it served as a key stop on the Tea Road, an ancient trade route between China and Russia. Today, it is known for its unique border culture and the iconic “Gateway to Mongolia” sculpture.
About: Alashankou
Alashankou is a vital border city in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, serving as a key gateway for trade and transportation between China and Kazakhstan. Historically, it was part of the ancient Silk Road and remains an important logistical hub today, connecting the Eurasian landmass via rail and road networks. The city’s strategic location has made it a focal point for cross-border commerce and cultural exchange for centuries.
About: Khorgos
Khorgos is a strategically important border town between Kazakhstan and China, known for the Khorgos International Center of Boundary Cooperation, a major free trade zone established in 2012 to boost economic ties between the two countries. Historically, the area was part of the Silk Road, facilitating trade between Asia and Europe. Today, it features the Khorgos Gateway, a key dry port and logistics hub along the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing cross-border commerce and infrastructure development.
