At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to establish a multipolar world that is both equitable and orderly. He advocated for more just and fair global governance and underscored the importance of enhancing the representation and influence of Global South countries in international decision-making processes. Xi’s remarks highlighted the irreversible shift towards a multipolar world, driven significantly by the rise of these nations.
President Xi outlined key principles that should underpin international relations, including sovereign equality, mutual respect, multilateralism, dialogue, and consultation. He called for equal rights, opportunities, and rules to be upheld for all countries, irrespective of their size, strength, or wealth. Additionally, Xi urged major global powers to uphold international norms and adhere to the rule of law, promoting a more balanced international environment.
Emphasizing the role of the United Nations, Xi advocated for broader participation in addressing global issues. He stressed the importance of focusing on development and fostering openness and cooperation. Moreover, Xi pointed to the need to bridge digital and artificial intelligence divides, ensuring that technological advancements serve a wider array of nations and contribute to their development.
Highlighting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s 25 years of experience, Xi used it as an example of successful cooperation among countries with diverse political systems, cultures, and development levels. He called for enhanced partnerships within the SCO Plus framework and encouraged greater collaboration between Asia and Europe through high-quality Belt and Road initiatives. Xi’s statements come a year after he introduced the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO Plus Meeting in Tianjin, which has reportedly gained support from various countries and international organizations.