China is actively supporting Armenia's formal application to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to Li Xingwei, the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia. Speaking on July 31 at a reception, the ambassador stated that as this year's chair of the SCO, China backs the accession process. He emphasized the long-standing friendship between the two countries, highlighting stable cooperation based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity over 33 years of diplomatic relations. The ambassador also noted the recent intensification of high-level contacts between the two nations and expressed China's readiness to continue strengthening friendship and practical cooperation.