Xi Jinping to Attend 2026 SCO Summit in Bishkek, Visit Kyrgyzstan and Egypt

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to attend the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek and conduct state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt from August 30 to September 3, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The diplomatic tour coincides with the 25th anniversary of the SCO's establishment and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Egypt. During the trip, Xi will hold bilateral discussions with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to deepen strategic partnerships, Belt and Road cooperation, and multilateral coordination.

The five-day diplomatic mission pairs multilateral engagement at the SCO with bilateral state visits in Central Asia and North Africa. It highlights Beijing's sustained effort to reinforce regional security structures and strengthen economic and strategic ties with key Global South partners amid evolving international dynamics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt from August 30 to September 3, during which he will attend the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian outlined the trip's itinerary and Beijing's objectives during a regular press briefing, noting that Xi's state visits come at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Bishkek gathering coincides with the 25th anniversary of the SCO's founding. Lin noted that the summit will serve as a platform for member state leaders to exchange views on regional security, economic cooperation, and global governance reform under current international conditions. China aims to use the summit to deepen consensus and advance institutional development across the regional body. Xi's bilateral visit to Kyrgyzstan marks a continuation of frequent high-level engagement between Beijing and Bishkek. Lin noted that China and Kyrgyzstan have maintained diplomatic relations for 34 years and pointed out that Xi and Japarov held three separate meetings last year alone. Bilateral discussions will center on consolidating political trust, expanding Belt and Road cooperation, and coordinating on regional affairs. Following the SCO Summit and bilateral activities in Central Asia, Xi will conduct a state visit to Egypt, marking his first state visit to the country in ten years. The trip coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Beijing and Cairo. Lin underscored Egypt's status as the first Arab and African nation to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, stating that discussions between Xi and Sisi will focus on bilateral ties and international developments to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership. Across both stops, Beijing seeks to reaffirm bilateral coordination, advance mutually beneficial trade and infrastructure initiatives, and reinforce its strategic ties with partners across Central Asia and the broader Global South.