BEIJING -- China will host the largest-ever summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from Sunday to Monday in the northern port city of Tianjin.

President Xi Jinping will chair the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO as well as the "SCO Plus" Meeting, delivering keynote speeches with a focus on deepening cooperation within the organization and strengthening its role in global governance.

Founded in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO has adhered to the Shanghai Spirit -- a set of principles centered on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development.

Xi has attended every SCO summit since taking over the helm of China, putting forward key initiatives and promoting joint efforts that have kept the Shanghai Spirit vibrant in today's global landscape.

CHAMPIONING THE SHANGHAI SPIRIT

Chairing the SCO summit for the first time in Qingdao in June 2018, Xi reviewed the organization's development and achievements and emphasized that the Shanghai Spirit serves as a shared asset for all member states.

"The Shanghai Spirit, transcending outdated concepts such as the clash of civilizations, Cold War mentality, and zero-sum mindset, has opened a new chapter in international relations and won growing recognition from the global community," Xi said.

At each SCO summit since 2013, Xi has underscored the profound relevance of the Shanghai Spirit while continually enriching and expanding its meaning.

Guided by this philosophy, the SCO has pioneered a new model of regional cooperation that brings together nations with diverse social systems and development paths.

This partnership advocates non-alignment, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, offering a model for a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation.

Owing to the practice of these principles, the SCO has been growing steadily, exuding robust vitality. What began in 2001 with six member states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus.

Comprising these 10 member states, two observer states and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe and Africa, the SCO boasts a 26-nation "big family." It is now the world's largest regional international organization by both geographical area and population.

"The increasing number of countries seeking to join the SCO family reflects the broad appeal of its principles and strong confidence in its future," Xi had said.

He emphasized that as the organization continues to grow, it stands ready to collaborate with all progressive forces around the world in contributing to global peace, promoting international development and upholding the international order.