We begin with the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed guests from SCO member states, observer countries and international organizations in Qingdao. President Xi delivered a speech at a welcome banquet. A gala for the summit also has been performed. Gary Anglebrandt has more.

A warm welcome.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a welcome banquet for the guests of the 18th SCO summit in the coastal city of Qingdao. In his speech at the banquet, President Xi said the SCO has delivered fruitful outcomes while winning widespread support.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "The Shanghai Spirit's focus on seeking common ground while setting aside differences and pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation has won widespread international endorsement and support. Guided by the Shanghai Spirit, our organization has delivered fruitful outcomes in security, economic and cultural cooperation and made historic strides in institution-building. Today, with eight member states, four observer states and six dialogue partners, the SCO has become an important force for upholding regional security, promoting common development and improving global governance."

A gala for the summit was performed. Led by renowned film-maker Zhang Yimou, the team put on a spectacle of singing, dancing, and fireworks. In an interview with CGTN, Zhang Yimou told us about the features of the show and his thoughts on the theme of the summit.

ZHANG YIMOU DIRECTOR "The special feature of the show is that it will be on the sea and we use the city as the background. In other words, the backdrop to the show is vast. What we call the light show is actually the city's lights incorporated into the show. No other arena has ever had such gorgeous scenery. I think building a community of shared future for mankind is one of the themes of the summit."

On Sunday, the first summit of the SCO after last year's expansion will be held and draw up a blueprint for future growth.

As President Xi said in his speech, this Qingdao summit will be a new departure point for all its members. Gary Anglebrandt, CGTN.