SCO summit President Xi Jinping chaired the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) annual summit on Sunday, aiming to bring the group a shared future of common prosperity amid global instability* and uncertainty. The 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO in the port city of Qingdao marked the first gathering of leaders of all its eight member states since India and Pakistan were admitted as full members last year. The SCO accounts for 20 percent of the global economy and 40 percent of its population. Friendship medal President Xi Jinping on Friday awarded his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin the first-ever Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China. Friendship Medals, the highest State honor to foreigners, are presented to foreign friends who have made outstanding contributions to China’s modernization* drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace, Xi said. Chinese immigrants China has seen slowing growth in the number of people applying for foreign residence or citizenship, a report released on Saturday showed. Developed countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany, have seen fewer Chinese immigrants over the years, while countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative are becoming more popular as immigration destinations, according to a report issued by Center for China and Globalization. ‘Hero captain’ Liu Chuanjian, a Sichuan Airlines pilot, was awarded the title of “hero captain” on Friday, for his role in making an emergency landing after the cockpit* window broke in flight while carrying 119 passengers. Liu received 5 million yuan (US$780,000) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China and Sichuan Province. The cabin crew* was also awarded the title “hero crew” and its members received 1 million to 2 million yuan each. Liu and the cabin crew’s professional reaction ensured the safety of all passengers and crew members on board Sichuan Airlines Flight 3U8633 on May 14. (SD-Agencies) | 