On the morning of September 26,2024,the 15thlectureof the "Cooperation and Development"series, jointly organized by the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University, the Institute of SCO Studies of Shandong University, the Institute for Public Safety Research of Shandong University, and the China-SCO Institute of Economics and Trade, was successfully heldat the New Era Virtues Book House on the first floor of Huagangyuan South Building. The theme of this lecture is"Russia’s Relations with SCO Member States,"andthe lecture was delivered by Dr. Cui Long, Deputy Dean of International Relations at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and Director of the Russia-China Research Center. Thelecturewas chaired by Professor Edmund Li Sheng, Distinguished Professor at the School of Political Science and Public Administration and Executive Dean of the Institute of SCO Studies,Shandong University. Faculty members and students from the school participated in the academic exchange and discussion.

At the beginning of the lecture,Dr. Cui exploredChina’s increasingly proactive role in multilateral diplomacy, particularly its leadership within the SCO. He analyzed how China leverages vision-setting, political will, resource mobilization, and diplomatic expertise to drive the organization’s agenda, while also assessing the effectiveness and challenges of this leadership approach. Dr. Cui noted that China’s role in the SCO has evolved from an initial observer to an active leader. Through case studies and data, he demonstrated how China enhances the SCO’s influence and cohesion by advancing regional security cooperation, economic integration, and cultural exchanges.

During theinteractivesession, faculty and students engaged in lively discussions on China’s role in international arena, challenges and opportunities in multilateral cooperation, and theshaping of thesoft power of China and SCO member states. Building on Dr. Cui’s insights, Professor Edmund Li Sheng emphasized that China’s leadership in the SCO not only strengthens regional collaboration but also offers innovative perspectives for global governance, making the organization’s next phase pivotal for regional and international stability.

This lecture provided a valuable platform for attendees to deepen their understanding of China’s role in regional and global governance and the SCO’s multilateral development. The School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University remains committed to providing high-quality academic resources for its faculty and students, both domestically and internationally. We encourage continued attention to the school’s updates and the "Cooperation and Development" lecture series organized by the Institute of SCO Studies.