A global public-opinion survey conducted by CGTN in collaboration with Renmin University of China reveals strong international support for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s role in global governance.

The survey, which polled 13,707 respondents across 48 countries, found that 74.6% believe the SCO offers a pragmatic path for cooperation among nations with different systems. This comes as the organization marks its 25th anniversary, with trade volume between China and other member states rising from USD 12.1 billion in 2001 to USD 523.5 billion in 2025.

Survey Methodology and Scope

The study targeted ordinary people aged 18 and above, with samples aligned with national census-based age-and-gender distributions in respective countries. The respondents included individuals from major developed countries and Global South nations.

Key Findings on Global Governance

Respondents highlighted the SCO’s growing influence in three priority areas: trade facilitation, investment and financing cooperation, and cultural exchanges and tourism. Among respondents from SCO member states and dialogue partners, 75.4% stated that the "Shanghai Spirit" provides a cooperation framework rooted in mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development.

Additionally, 71.7% of respondents believe the SCO has amplified the voice of Global South countries and advanced the building of a fairer and more reasonable global governance system. A significant majority, 89.6%, called on all countries to participate in global affairs on an equal footing and jointly shape international rules and order.

China’s Role and Investment

As a founding member, China has linked its development to the SCO’s aspirations. In 2025, China’s direct investment across all industries in other member states stood at USD 3.3 billion, covering sectors such as oil and gas, mineral resources, infrastructure, new energy, automobiles, and chemicals. China has also invested in building more than 30 economic and trade cooperation zones.

Survey respondents recognized China’s contributions in three dimensions: advancing regional economic cooperation, promoting security cooperation, and providing development assistance and financial support. Furthermore, 76.2% of respondents hold that China’s Belt and Road Initiative has fostered a new landscape of interconnected and integrated global development, while 73.5% note that the Global Governance Initiative points the way for Global South countries to participate in reform of the global governance system.

Future Expectations

Respondents expect the SCO to exert greater influence in three major fields: infrastructure and energy, regional security cooperation, and environment and climate change. The organization is viewed as a key force driving the transformation of the global governance system, advocating equal-and-orderly world multipolarization and inclusive-for-all economic globalization.

Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Thursday after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek and concluding state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt. The diplomatic tour, which ran from August 30 to September 3, focused on solidarity and cooperation amid growing international turbulence.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the visits aimed to build a community with a shared future and uphold fairness in global governance. He noted that the SCO Summit injected vitality into regional development, while the bilateral engagements strengthened ties with key neighbors and strategic partners.

SCO Summit Outcomes

The SCO Summit wrapped up in Bishkek on Tuesday with the signing of the Bishkek Declaration. Member states approved protocols on amendments to the SCO Charter and regulations for the SCO Universal Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats and the SCO Anti-drug Center. Leaders also adopted 28 outcome documents covering security, economic, and people-to-people cooperation.

Xi highlighted the organization's 25th founding anniversary, noting that safeguarding sovereignty and security remains a shared consensus. He proposed four commitments: prioritizing development, fostering common security, adopting a people-centered approach, and striving for equitable governance through dialogue.

Bilateral Engagements

During the state visit to Kyrgyzstan, China and Kyrgyzstan signed a joint declaration on high-quality development of their comprehensive strategic partnership and a bilateral treaty on permanent good-neighborliness. Wang Yi described the treaty as the most significant political outcome, reflecting strategic mutual trust that transcends short-term interests.

The visit to Egypt marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xi raised a four-point proposal on building a new security architecture in the Middle East based on common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. Wang Yi noted that the Belt and Road Initiative aligns with Egypt Vision 2030, charting a new blueprint for mutually beneficial cooperation.