Qingdao: China on Wednesday hosted the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in the eastern city of Qingdao amid conflicts in the Middle East. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun chaired the meeting and gave a speech.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dong Jun highlighted the rapid and significant global changes, noting the rise of unilateralism and protectionism. He expressed concern over 'acts of hegemony, overbearing and bullying,' which he said were undermining the international order and contributing to instability. The meeting follows a recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, announced by US President Donald Trump after American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and ongoing tensions in Gaza.

The conflict escalated when Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes after Israel's military attacked several Iranian sites, including military and nuclear facilities, on June 13. In response to these tensions, Dong urged all parties to enhance coordination under frameworks like the UN and the SCO. He emphasized the need to uphold international fairness and justice while protecting global strategic stability. Dong called on SCO defense ministers to promote the 'Shanghai Spirit' and strengthen the organization through practical cooperation to maintain an environment conducive to peaceful development.

During the summit, Dong also held individual meetings with defense ministers from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Notably, the summit marks the first visit by an Indian defense minister to China in the last five years.

The SCO, established in 2001, is an inter-governmental organization comprising 10 member states: China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. All 10 member states' defense ministers attended the summit in Qingdao.