Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s support for the United Nations’ global role, emphasizing the importance of “true multilateralism” in addressing international challenges.
Xi made these remarks during a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is attending the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. “China will remain a reliable partner of the UN,” Xi said, highlighting China’s commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Guterres appreciated China’s support, stating that it is “an extremely important element to preserve” in the face of global challenges.
The SCO summit, which marks the 25th gathering of the organization, will bring together leaders from over 20 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masood Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The summit’s agenda includes promoting the “Shanghai Spirit,” improving internal mechanisms, and fostering multilateral cooperation in areas such as security, economics, and culture.
The leaders are expected to adopt the new Tianjin Declaration and approve a strategy for the next decade.
Additionally, the summit will issue statements marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan and the 80th founding anniversary of the UN.
The SCO, a political and security alliance comprising 10 members, has gained significant attention in recent years. The organization has been touted as a potential counterbalance to Western-led institutions, with China and Russia promoting a more multipolar world order.
Xi will also meet Erdogan on the sidelines of the summit, which is expected to showcase Global South solidarity amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The SCO summit comes at a time of heightened tensions globally, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Israel’s conflict in Gaza, and the escalating assault on the occupied West Bank.
The summit will provide a platform for leaders to discuss pressing global issues and promote cooperation among member states. As the rotating chair, Xi will preside over the summit, which marks the fifth annual SCO summit hosted by China.
In a separate event, Xi will host Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a large-scale military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia.
The parade is expected to showcase China’s military capabilities and highlight the country’s growing relationships with its allies.