Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has hailed the achievements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, since its establishment 15 years ago. He has also presented a five-point proposal to further its development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses reporters after attending a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers in the capital of Uzbekistan on May 24, 2016.[Xinhua]

Wang made the proposal to tackle the growing economic downward pressures and increasing terror threats facing the SCO members.

It calls for better solidarity and enhanced political mutual trust between members, closer anti-terrorism cooperation, and an expansion in pragmatic economic cooperation in order to boost trade and inter-connectivity.

SCO foreign ministers welcomed the proposal. They also agreed that the South China Sea issue must be resolved directly by the countries involved, and countries outside the region must not interfere.

After the meeting, Wang welcomed the consensus and reiterated China's stance on political solutions to the disputes.

Wang said, "There is a clear-cut criterion of right and wrong, and justice lies in people's hearts. More and more countries support China's stance on the South China Sea."

"Because China's position is in line with international laws, and respects the rule of law. It maintains the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, and the right of every sovereign state to choose their own resolution on disputes."

"We are also living up to the commitment made by China and ASEAN countries, and the execution of duties of a responsible country."

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