Did Xi Jinping and his spouse Host a Grand Banquet for Foreign Guests at the 2025 SCO Summit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan hosted a significant banquet for international leaders.
- Over 20 foreign heads of state attended the event.
- The banquet highlighted the role of the SCO in fostering international cooperation.
- The event featured cultural performances celebrating unity.
- Tianjin's importance as a historical and modern hub was emphasized.
New Delhi/Tianjin, Aug 31 (NationPress) On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his spouse Peng Liyuan hosted a grand banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, aiming to warmly welcome international dignitaries attending the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
More than 20 foreign leaders, alongside their spouses from SCO member states, observer nations, dialogue partners, and distinguished guests of the chairing country, participated in the event. Notable figures included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As the celebrations commenced, Guards of Honour stood in salute. Accompanied by a blend of international tunes, the guests paraded along a red carpet, showcasing a stunning display of flags from participating countries, including the SCO flag and the UN flag.
The vibrant lights illuminated the banks of the Haihe River.
President Xi and Peng graciously welcomed the foreign leaders and their partners, exchanging friendly handshakes, greetings, and capturing moments with photographs.
To the delightful sounds of welcome music, they entered the banquet hall, accompanied by the esteemed guests.
During his address, President Xi conveyed a heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Chinese government and its people to the international attendees at the SCO Summit.
He highlighted that since its inception, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has consistently embraced the “Shanghai Spirit”, reinforcing unity and trust, advancing practical cooperation, and engaging in international and regional matters. This has positioned the SCO as a pivotal force in fostering a new type of international relations and a shared future for humanity.
President Xi noted the current global landscape marked by rapid changes, increasing instability, and uncertainty. He asserted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization holds a vital role in ensuring regional peace and stability while promoting development and prosperity for all nations.
He articulated that the summit is tasked with the significant mission of fostering consensus among all parties, generating cooperative momentum, and outlining a vision for future development.
President Xi expressed his belief that through collective efforts, the summit would achieve remarkable success, with the SCO showcasing significant advancements and contributing to unity and collaboration among member states, uniting the forces of the Global South, and advancing human civilization.
He also remarked on Tianjin’s status as an open and inclusive city, a historical hub in the capital region, and a trailblazer in China’s reform and opening-up initiatives. Under the coordinated development strategy of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, Tianjin continues to exhibit new vitality in its journey toward Chinese-style modernization.
President Xi concluded that hosting the summit in Tianjin will undoubtedly infuse fresh energy into the sustainable growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Following the banquet, Xi and Peng enjoyed an artistic performance titled “Creating the Future Together” alongside the honored guests, celebrating the beauty of harmonious civilizations and the convergence of diverse cultures, while feeling the impetus of the SCO family united in collaboration to achieve brilliance together.