Xi Jinping attended the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” meeting and delivered an important speech.

On the afternoon of September 1, 2026, local time, President Xi Jinping attended the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” meeting in Bishkek and delivered an important address titled “Jointly Advocating a World of Multipolarity Based on Equality and Order, and Achieving More Just and Reasonable Global Governance.”

Xi Jinping pointed out that this meeting, focused on strengthening the role of the United Nations and building a multipolar world, underscores the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s commitment to reforming and improving global governance in response to the demands of our times. At present, the profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating, with hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism running counter to the prevailing trends. Yet the vast majority of countries reject power politics, oppose conflict and confrontation, and refuse to embrace isolation and backwardness; instead, they seek to secure an equal place on the world stage through their own development and international cooperation. In recent years, the Global South has grown significantly, driving a profound shift in the balance of international forces, making the trend toward a multipolar world irreversible. What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How can countries participate in and advance multipolarity? The international community must forge consensus and make the right choices—choices that can stand the test of practice and history.

Xi Jinping emphasized that, as a responsible major country, China actively champions an equal and orderly multipolar world. Sovereign equality and mutual respect are the fundamental principles; balance and order, together with adherence to the rule of law, are indispensable requirements; multilateralism and dialogue and consultation are the key pathways; and mutually beneficial cooperation and inclusive development are the directions for progress. It is essential to uphold the principle that all countries—regardless of size, strength, or wealth—should enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal rules. The Global South is an important component of the multipolar architecture and a crucial force in advancing multipolarity; its representation and voice in international affairs must be strengthened. We must promote common values shared by all humanity, reject double standards, exceptionalism, interference and bullying, and the law of the jungle, and advance the rule of law in international relations. Major countries, in particular, should take the lead in respecting norms and upholding the rule of law, working together to address global challenges. We must ensure that matters of global concern are handled through consultation among all nations, and that international rules are jointly formulated by all countries. The authority and vitality of the United Nations need to be revitalized, and various global and regional multilateral mechanisms must become more coordinated and efficient. We should focus on development issues, adhere to open cooperation, bridge the digital and smart divides, and ensure that the benefits of technological innovation and development reach the peoples of all countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that, over the past 25 years, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has successfully set a model for relations among major powers, neighboring countries, and states of varying sizes, and has effectively pooled the development momentum of nearly half of the world’s population and one-quarter of global economic output. A more united and dynamic Shanghai Cooperation Organization is fully capable of making an even greater contribution to advancing a multipolar world. All parties should grasp the overarching trends of history, shoulder their responsibilities in this era, put people at the center, adhere to an action‑oriented approach, jointly champion an equal and orderly multipolar world, promote more just and equitable global governance, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xi Jinping put forward three proposals for further enhancing the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

First, harness the “SCO momentum” to drive the shared prosperity and revitalization of the Eurasian continent. By building on our strengths and unlocking our potential, we will leverage high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to connect multiple growth hubs across Eurasia, enabling mutual reinforcement and shared success, and jointly creating opportunities and sharing in prosperity.

Second, leverage the “Shanghai Spirit” to bolster the growth and development of the Global South. Uphold the Shanghai Spirit, unite with and expand the circle of “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” partners, and work together to champion peace, pool efforts for development, build bridges for cooperation, and pave the way for win-win outcomes.

Third, we will leverage the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Action” to lead the reform and improvement of global governance. Upholding the principles of partnership rather than alliance and dialogue rather than confrontation, and adhering to the vision of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, we will promote the equal participation and universal benefits of all countries in global governance.

Kyrgyz President Japarov, the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, presided over the meeting. Leaders of SCO member states—including Belarusian President Lukashenko, Indian Prime Minister Modi, Iranian President Pezeshian, Kazakh President Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz, Russian President Putin, Tajik President Rahmon, and Uzbek President Mirziyoyev—along with leaders from other invited countries such as Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Laos, Turkey, Vietnam, and Togo, as well as heads of international and regional organizations including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, were in attendance.

Prior to the start of the meeting, Xi Jinping attended a welcome banquet hosted by Japarov for the heads of the participating delegations and posed for a group photo.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the aforementioned events.