Xi Jinping's speeches in Tianjin and Beijing
Preliminary remarks
The mostly derogatory comments in the Western media about the meeting of the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” on September 1, 2025, in Tianjin and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's war against Japanese aggression and the world war against fascism on September 5, 2025, in Beijing are the hate propaganda of a West that is still stuck in the crusader mentality of the Middle Ages. It is neither willing nor able to grasp or even appreciate the spirit expressed in these two speeches. The reason for this is the fundamental difference in the view of humanity that separates these two “camps.”
On the Western side, an atavistic view of humanity prevails, one that has long been overcome, attributing primitive characteristics to humans that they do not have by nature: Man is a wolf to man – social order can only be maintained by force – only through Western cultural mission can the world be healed.
On the other side, it sounds like this:
“I look forward to working with all countries to build a more just and balanced global governance system and to work towards a community with a shared future for humanity.”
Xi Jinping, September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China
And thus:
“We will continue to pursue the path of peaceful development and work together with all peoples of the world to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Xi Jinping on September 5, 2025, in Beijing, China
Western propaganda would have us believe that these are just fairy tales told by autocrats. That the SCO, BRICS, and their partners are a threat to the West. In reality, this is a classic case of projection: people wrongly attribute to others the bad intentions that they themselves have.
Humans are social beings. Modern evolutionary psychology knows that aversion to inequality, empathy, and mutual aid are central elements of human nature that have made the survival of our species possible in the first place. Because this is the case, and because people around the world in all advanced civilizations have repeatedly demonstrated and attempted to implement this, they feel understood by the ideas formulated here by Xi Jinping and are willing to help—if they can fight for the necessary leeway to do so against their rulers.
As Xi Jinping aptly puts it: “The noble cause of peace and the development of humanity will prevail!” We would add: because this is in line with human social nature.
Full text of Xi Jinping's speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus meeting
Distinguished Colleagues,
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. It is a milestone prompting us to remember the past and create a better future together. Eighty years ago, the international community learned profound lessons from the scourge of two world wars and founded the United Nations, thus writing a new page in global governance. Eighty years later, while the historical trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remain unchanged, the Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism continue to haunt the world. New threats and challenges have been only increasing. The world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. Global governance has come to a new crossroads.
History tells us that at difficult times, we must uphold our original commitment to peaceful coexistence, strengthen our confidence in win-win cooperation, advance in line with the trend of history, and thrive in keeping pace with the times.
To this end, I wish to propose the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity.
First, we should adhere to sovereign equality. We should maintain that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers and beneficiaries in global governance. We should promote greater democracy in international relations and increase the representation and voice of developing countries.
Second, we should abide by international rule of law. The purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations must be observed comprehensively, fully and in their entirety. International law and rules should be applied equally and uniformly. There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others.
Third, we should practice multilateralism. We should uphold the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, strengthen solidarity and coordination, and oppose unilateralism. We should firmly safeguard the status and authority of the U.N., and ensure its irreplaceable, key role in global governance.
Fourth, we should advocate the people-centered approach. We should reform and improve the global governance system to ensure that the people of every nation are the actors in and beneficiaries of global governance, so as to better tackle the common challenges for mankind, better narrow the North-South gap, and better safeguard the common interests of all countries.
Fifth, we should focus on taking real actions. We should adopt a systematic and holistic approach, coordinate global actions, fully mobilize various resources, and strive for more visible outcomes. We should enhance practical cooperation to prevent the governance system from lagging behind or being fragmented.
Colleagues,
The founding declaration and the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization made it clear at the outset that we should promote a more democratic, just and equitable international political and economic order. Over the past 24 years, the SCO has adhered faithfully to the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. We have discussed regional affairs together, built platforms and mechanisms together, and benefited from cooperation together. We have also initiated many new global governance concepts and put them into practice. The SCO has increasingly become a catalyst for the development and reform of the global governance system.
In response to the once-in-a-century transformations unfolding faster across the world, the SCO should step up to play a leading role and set an example in carrying out the GGI.
We should contribute to safeguarding world peace and stability. With a vision for common security, SCO member states have signed the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, conducted effective security cooperation, and maintained overall stability in the region. We should continue to uphold the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. We should combine our efforts in addressing various threats and challenges, give full play to the newly established SCO Universal Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats and the SCO Anti-drug Center, and build a community of common security in the region. We should remain a force for stability in this volatile world.
We should step up to take the responsibility for open cooperation across the globe. SCO member states have rich energy resources, big markets and strong internal driving forces, and we are contributing a rising share to world economic growth. We should continue to dismantle walls, not erect them; we should seek integration, not decoupling. We should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and push for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
China will readily share the opportunities of its vast market, and continue to implement the action plan for high-quality development of economic and trade cooperation within the SCO family. China will establish three major platforms for China-SCO cooperation in energy, green industry, and the digital economy, and will set up three major cooperation centers for scientific and technological innovation, higher education, and vocational and technical education. We will work with fellow SCO countries to increase the installed capacity of photovoltaic and wind power each by 10 million kilowatts in the next five years. We are ready to build with all sides the artificial intelligence application cooperation center, and share the dividends of progress in AI. We welcome all parties to use the Beidou Satellite Navigation System and invite countries with relevant capacities to take part in the International Lunar Research Station project.
We should set an example in championing the common values of humanity. Among SCO member states, cultural exchanges are packed with highlights, people-to-people interactions are frequent and robust, and different civilizations radiate their unique splendor. We should continue to promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and write brilliant chapters of peace, amity and harmony among countries different in history, culture, social system and development stage.
China will host and ensure the success of the SCO Political Parties Forum, the SCO Green and Sustainable Development Forum, and the SCO Forum on Traditional Medicine. In the next five years, China will treat 500 patients with congenital heart disease, perform 5,000 cataract operations, and carry out 10,000 cancer screenings for other SCO countries.
We should act to defend international fairness and justice. In compliance with the principles of justice and fairness, SCO member states have engaged constructively in international and regional affairs, and upheld the common interests of the Global South. We should continue to unequivocally oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and stand as a pillar in promoting a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations.
China supports the SCO in expanding cooperation with other multilateral institutions, such as the U.N., ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, to jointly uphold the international economic and trade order and improve global and regional governance.
Colleagues,
An ancient Chinese philosopher said of the importance of principles, "Uphold the Great Principle, and the world will follow." In two days, China will commemorate solemnly the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Many colleagues will join us in Beijing. We are ready, together with all parties, to uphold courageously the great principle and the common good of the world, promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, resolutely safeguard the fruits of our victory in the War, and deliver more benefits to the entire humanity through the reform of the global governance system and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Thank you.
Full text of President Xi Jinping's speech at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's war against Japanese aggression and the world war against fascism
All my fellow Chinese across the nation,
Your Excellencies heads of state and government and representatives of international organizations,
Distinguished guests,
All officers and soldiers participating in the parade,
Comrades and friends,
Today, we gather here to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is an occasion for us to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future.
On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Central Military Commission, I pay high tribute to our veteran soldiers and comrades, patriots and officers who fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and to the Chinese nationals from home and abroad who made important contributions to our victory. I express my sincere thanks to foreign governments and friends that supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression. I also extend a warm welcome to our guests from around the world who are with us today.
Comrades and friends,
The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great war fought with tenacity and valor. Under the banner of the national united front against Japanese aggression established at the initiative of the CPC, the Chinese people stood up to fight the formidable enemy with an iron will, formed a great wall with flesh and blood to defend the nation, and ultimately achieved the first complete victory in resisting foreign aggression in modern times.
The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. With huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people made major contributions to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace.
History cautions us that humanity rises and falls together. Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in peace and support each other, can we uphold common security, eradicate the root cause of war and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.
Comrades and friends,
The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence and forges ahead. In the past, when faced with critical struggles between good and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction, the Chinese people rallied together to defy the enemy. They fought for the survival of the country, for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and for justice of the whole humanity. Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilization. We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with all peoples around the world in building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army has been, and will always be, the heroic armed forces that the Party and the people can fully trust and rely on. All service members should faithfully perform their sacred duty, speed up the building of a world-class military, and firmly safeguard China's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. All service members should provide strategic support for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and make greater contributions to the peace and development of the world.
History carries the legacy of the past and inspires the future. On the new journey in the new era, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups should, under the strong leadership of the CPC, follow Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era. We should stay firmly on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance. We should press ahead with enterprise and resolve, and advance in unity the cause of building China into a great country on all fronts and realizing great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.
The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is irresistible! The noble cause of peace and development of humanity will prevail!
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* Editorial note: The “Three Represents” theory is a concept formulated in 2000 by Jiang Zemin, then General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. It was officially incorporated into the party constitution in 2002.
The concept states that the CPC should always represent the following:
The direction of development of advanced productive forces, i.e., the Party should lead the modernization of the economy, technological progress, and innovation.
the orientation of progressive culture, i.e., the party should not only be economically but also culturally influential, promoting “spiritual” modernization and social values.
the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people. This means that the party claims to represent not only workers and peasants, but all social groups, including entrepreneurs and intellectuals.
This concept broadened the definition of the party: not only the proletariat and peasants, but also the growing private sector and entrepreneurs could identify with the CPC. It marked an adaptation to the economic liberalization and open-door policy since Deng Xiaoping. Previously, the CPC saw itself as the vanguard of the proletariat. The concept of the three representations allowed entrepreneurs to be accepted into the party as “progressive forces.” Today, it is considered one of the “leading ideas” alongside Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, Scientific Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
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