Chinese president's security detail removes photographer in Bishkek

On September 1, 2026, a security incident occurred in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, during the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. As the President stepped onto the red carpet, a photographer moved beyond the designated press area, attempting to get closer to the leader than security protocols allowed.

In response, members of the Chinese President's personal security detail immediately intervened. They physically grabbed the photographer and lifted him off the ground, forcefully escorting him away from the red carpet area. The entire event was captured on video and subsequently went viral online, showing a brief disruption to the formal diplomatic arrival ceremony. No further injuries or arrests were reported in connection with the event.

The incident took place while the city hosted leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the high-level summit. The security measures for the Chinese delegation are characterized by strict physical distance requirements, which were enforced rigidly during this event.