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In 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was created. In the beginning, it was a small forum with China, Russia, and four Central Asian republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. At first, it was formed to settle borders and deal with security matters. Over time, the organization has expanded, and today it also includes Pakistan, India, and Iran as full members. All these states represent almost 42 percent of the world’s population and nearly one-fourth of the global economy. Such numbers show how important this organization is. Also, this tells us how a small forum expanded, and now it’s playing a significant role in world politics.
“From border settlements to global politics, the SCO now represents 42% of humanity and a quarter of the world’s economy.”
Recently, the SCO summit held in Tianjin underlined this growing role. This one was the largest summit of the SCO in history. Many heads of state and leaders of international organizations attended. President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for “equal and orderly multipolarization.” A call for fairer systems of global governance. His statement reflected the desire of many states that seek a more balanced order in which there is no hegemony. According to the current situation, this message is very important, as global institutions appear less effective in dealing with crises.
Economic cooperation has been one of the main pillars of the SCO. In the past two decades, trade among members has grown sharply. Recently, China’s trade with SCO states and partners reached about 890 billion dollars. In Bilateral trade, China and Russia both crossed 240 billion dollars. Despite political disputes, even China and India traded nearly 118 billion dollars. This highlights the reality that economic initiatives often push cooperation forward even when politics remains tense.
Trading projects are another achievement of the bloc. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, new railways, roads, ports, and energy pipelines are being constructed. For Central Asia, this is a major shift. These states were once considered isolated, and now they are becoming bridges between East and West. This shift is not only increasing trade but also creating chances for cultural exchanges, tourism, and more people-to-people contact. Such connections help in building long-term stability in the wider region.
Security is still a major part of the SCO. The organization also has a center in Tashkent that helps members work together against terrorism and other threats. It also holds joint military exercises where soldiers from different countries train together. But the SCO is not based on military alliances. Instead of focusing on war, it tries to build trust, peace, and encourage dialogue. This approach makes it more welcoming for many states.
“Economic cooperation pushes progress even when politics remain tense.”
In the future, the prospects appear even stronger. Analysts suggest that if cooperation continues, the SCO states could account for around one-third of global GDP by 2030. One of the key advantages is energy resources. SCO Members together hold nearly 40 percent of the world’s natural gas reserves and large oil supplies. Also, energy resources, agriculture, digital economy, and climate change are becoming part of the SCO’s agenda. This indicates a shift toward comprehensive cooperation that fits the needs of today’s modern world.
For Pakistan, the SCO is a major and valuable platform. While supporting long-term projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) it also creates access to Central Asian markets. During the summit, leaders also confirmed the start of the second phase of CPEC. These initiatives could strengthen Pakistan’s role as a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia. Central Asian states benefit from investment and trade routes. Also, larger powers such as China, Russia, and India use the forum to manage rivalry and encourage peace and cooperation at the same time.
The ideology of the SCO is often called the “Shanghai Spirit” due to continuous developmental changes. This organization emphasizes equality, sovereignty, respect, and joint development. These all may sound simple but they carry significance for many developing states that feel sidelined in Western-led systems. The SCO is shaping a more inclusive order by providing space for these countries.
“The SCO is not based on military alliances, it builds trust, peace, and dialogue.”
Due to new developmental initiatives, the Tianjin summit reflected steady progress. These developments may not be dramatic, but the direction is consistent. The SCO has the potential to shape a fairer multipolar world due to its wide population base, resource wealth, and deepening cooperation. It also shows that when there is a shared interest, countries with rivalries can still work together. This makes the organization increasingly relevant in today’s shifting international landscape and world order.
The author is is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She writes on foreign policy, global diplomacy, and contemporary geopolitical issues.
