Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan hosted a grand banquet in Tianjin to welcome Global leaders attending the 2025 SCO Summit. With dignitaries including PM Modi, President Putin, and the UN chief, the event highlighted China’s call for unity, cooperation, and shared global development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan hosted an elaborate banquet on Sunday evening at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin to welcome dignitaries attending the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The grand event was marked by ceremony, diplomacy, and cultural performances, highlighting China’s emphasis on fostering unity and cooperation among member states and global partners.
The banquet was attended by more than 20 foreign heads of state and government, including the spouses of leaders from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners. Additionally, around 10 heads of international organisations, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, joined the celebrations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and several other world leaders were also present, underlining the significance of the summit in shaping global geopolitics.
A Warm Welcome to Global Leaders
The evening began with a display of pomp and pageantry. Guards of Honour stood lined in salute as international guests walked along a red carpet adorned with the flags of participating nations, alongside the SCO and UN flags. The ceremonial atmosphere was enhanced by traditional and international music, creating a setting of harmony and solidarity.
President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan personally greeted each foreign leader and their spouses, exchanging warm handshakes, greetings, and photographs. Against the backdrop of Tianjin’s brightly lit Haihe River, the occasion symbolised not just hospitality but also China’s intent to position itself as a key proponent of regional cooperation and cultural exchange.
Following the welcome procession, the guests accompanied Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan into the banquet hall to the sound of melodious music, where the evening’s program officially began.
Xi Jinping’s Address to the Guests
In his keynote address, President Xi extended heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Chinese government and people. He reflected on the journey of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation since its inception, noting its steady commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” — a philosophy built on mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and pursuit of shared development.
“Since its establishment, the SCO has consolidated unity, deepened pragmatic cooperation, and actively participated in global and regional affairs,” Xi remarked. “It has become an important force in building a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Xi emphasised that the world is currently undergoing changes unseen in a century, with rising instability, uncertainty, and global challenges. Against this backdrop, the SCO bears a greater responsibility in safeguarding peace, stability, and development across member states and beyond.
The Chinese President underlined the critical role of the 2025 Summit in Tianjin, stating that it serves as a platform for building consensus, stimulating cooperation, and charting the future development path of the organisation. He expressed confidence that the summit would be a success and that the SCO would continue to expand its influence, rallying the Global South and advancing human civilisation.
Tianjin: A Symbol of Modernisation
Xi also highlighted Tianjin’s unique role in China’s national strategy. Historically a major hub in the capital region, Tianjin has been at the forefront of reform and opening-up initiatives. Guided by the coordinated development strategy of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, the city has emerged as a symbol of modernisation and innovation.
“Hosting the summit here will inject new vitality into the sustainable development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation,” Xi affirmed, noting that Tianjin embodies the spirit of openness and inclusivity that SCO strives to promote globally.
Cultural Performance: Unity Through Art
The evening concluded with a cultural performance titled “Creating the Future Together.” The program blended traditional and modern artistic elements, showcasing the confluence of cultures, mutual harmony, and cooperation — core values at the heart of the SCO. Leaders and guests were treated to a visual and musical celebration symbolising unity among civilisations and the shared aspiration to build a brighter collective future.
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The banquet not only marked the ceremonial opening of the SCO Summit but also reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening international dialogue, peace, and cooperation in an increasingly complex world order.
