During 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 equitable and orderly. He advocated for more just and fair global governance, emphasizing that countries in the Global South should have increased representation and a stronger voice in international decision-making.
President Xi highlighted that the strengthening of the Global South is significantly altering the global power dynamics and asserted that the movement towards a multipolar world is an unstoppable trend. He underscored that international relations should be grounded in sovereign equality, mutual respect, multilateralism, dialogue, and consultation. Xi urged that all nations, irrespective of their size, power, or wealth, deserve equal rights, opportunities, and adherence to international rules. He also called on major powers to respect international norms and the rule of law to ensure a fair global system.
Xi further advocated for enhancing the role of the United Nations to facilitate broader participation in global affairs. He stressed the importance of focusing on development, maintaining openness and cooperation, and bridging digital and artificial intelligence divides to extend the benefits of technological progress to more countries. This approach, he suggested, would lead to more inclusive and sustainable global development.
The Chinese leader pointed to the 25-year history of the SCO as a model of cooperation among nations with diverse political systems, cultures, and developmental stages. He called for strengthening partnerships within the SCO Plus framework and promoting more extensive cooperation between Asian and European countries through quality Belt and Road initiatives. Such efforts, he argued, would enhance regional integration and prosperity.
Xi’s remarks came a year after he introduced the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO Plus Meeting in Tianjin. Since its proposal, China claims that the initiative has garnered support from numerous countries and international organizations, further underscoring its relevance and potential impact on global governance.