Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday underscored the growing responsibility of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in safeguarding regional peace and stability, as well as promoting development amid global uncertainties and accelerated changes.
Xi made the remarks at a banquet welcoming leaders and representatives attending the SCO Summit 2025 in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. Accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, Xi greeted international guests prior to the event.
Expressing confidence in the summit’s success, Xi said the SCO is poised to play an even greater role in fostering unity and cooperation among member states, strengthening the Global South, and advancing human civilization. “With concerted efforts of all parties, the summit will be a complete success,” he said.
Founded in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO has grown into a 26-member grouping that includes 10 full members, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners across Asia, Europe, and Africa. With major emerging economies such as China, Russia, and India, the bloc represents nearly half of the world’s population and a quarter of global GDP.
This year’s Tianjin summit marks the largest annual gathering in the organization’s history. Leaders from more than 20 countries and 10 international organizations are expected to adopt key documents, including a long-term development strategy for the next decade.
It is Xi’s second time hosting the event. Ahead of the summit, he held over a dozen bilateral meetings with visiting heads of state and government.
Highlighting Tianjin’s role as a pioneer of China’s reform and opening-up, Xi said the city provides “new vitality” to the sustainable growth of the SCO. He also described the organization as “an important force in building a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for humanity.”
The summit agenda includes the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO and the “SCO Plus” Meeting, both scheduled for Monday. Participants are set to discuss cooperation initiatives, development plans, and reforms aimed at improving global governance.
Closing his address, Xi voiced hope that the SCO, guided by the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and pursuit of common development, will “set sail once again from Tianjin toward an even brighter future.”
Following the banquet, Xi and Peng joined guests in attending a cultural performance. Senior Chinese officials including Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Chen Min’er, and Wang Xiaohong were also present.
