Vladimir Norov, secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), speaks in an interview with Xinhua in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2019. Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will continue to safeguard an open world economy despite the global trend towards protectionism, said Vladimir Norov, the newly appointed SCO secretary general. In an interview with Xinhua, Norov expressed concern about the increasing global instability and uncertainty amid "imposition of sanctions and unilateral protectionist measures," which hindered international political and economic cooperation. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)