Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he is expected to discuss the future direction of the organisation and major international and regional issues.
Speaking about Xi’s participation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the summit comes at an important moment as the SCO marks the 25th anniversary of its founding this year.
According to Lin Jian, over the past 25 years, SCO member states have upheld the “Shanghai Spirit,” strengthened solidarity and coordination, and expanded cooperation across multiple areas. He said the organisation has developed into a comprehensive regional cooperation body covering a vast geographical area and population, with significant development potential.
China views the SCO as an example of a new form of regional cooperation and a model for building a new type of international relations.
The upcoming summit in Bishkek will also build on decisions made at last year’s SCO Summit in Tianjin. Lin Jian said the Tianjin summit provided strategic planning for the organisation’s development over the next decade and opened a new stage of high-quality development for the SCO.
At the 2026 summit, President Xi Jinping is expected to hold in-depth discussions with leaders from participating countries on how to deepen SCO cooperation under changing international circumstances.
The discussions will cover cooperation in various fields as well as major international and regional issues. According to China, the participating leaders will seek to provide further guidance for the SCO’s high-quality development and strengthen the organisation’s role in the reform and development of the global governance system.
China says it is ready to work with other SCO members and participating countries to build consensus at the Bishkek summit and open a new chapter of cooperation.
Beijing also expects the SCO to contribute to greater security and stability, economic development and regional revitalisation. Lin Jian said China hopes these efforts will support the broader goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Xi’s attendance therefore carries a broader diplomatic message beyond the summit itself. China is signalling that it intends to remain deeply engaged with the SCO and promote stronger coordination among regional countries at a time of significant changes in the international environment.
The Bishkek summit is expected to provide an important platform for SCO leaders to discuss regional security, development and cooperation while shaping the organisation’s priorities for the years ahead.
