SCO Summit in Bishkek Highlights Xi's Push for Multipolar World

Chinese President Xi Jinping convened with world leaders in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, this week, using the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit to project an image of solidarity and promote a multipolar world order, even as a parallel gathering of Western nations highlighted deepening fractures within the traditional alliance system. The diplomatic events underscored a growing global contest over influence and the future shape of international governance. At the SCO summit, which began on Tuesday, September 1, Xi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines on Monday, August 31. According to Chinese state media, Xi told Putin that the foundations of China-Russia relations would become ever stronger under their joint efforts. He stated that uncertainties in the international situation have increased markedly, but that the global pursuit of peace, development, and cooperation remains unchanged. Xi called on the grouping to safeguard regional stability and advance an equal and orderly multipolar world. Putin highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.