Beyond security: How the SCO is reshaping Eurasian cooperation after 25 years

Twenty-five years after its founding, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has grown from a border-security mechanism into one of Eurasia's largest regional organizations. Its agenda not only includes security cooperation but also economic development and cultural exchanges, offering a new model of international relations based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Established on June 15, 2001, the SCO now comprises 10 members – China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus, two observer states – Afghanistan and Mongolia, and 15 dialogue partners – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Egypt, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Laos.

Its steady development reflects not only its growing international influence but also the increasing willingness of Global South countries to seek cooperation outside traditional alliance structures.

Many experts say the SCO's significance lies less in its size than in the approach it has developed over the past quarter century. Rather than relying on military alliances, it emphasizes dialogue, consensus and shared development as the basis for regional stability, and provides smaller nations with greater flexibility to engage internationally without being forced to take sides.

A new approach to security

The organization traces its roots to the "Shanghai Five," established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Created in the aftermath of the Cold War, the mechanism sought to resolve border security issues and build mutual trust among neighboring countries facing an uncertain regional security environment.

From the outset, the organization promoted cooperation to enhance security while encouraging dialogue over confrontation in resolving disputes. This approach has developed into the "Shanghai Spirit," which advocates mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of common development.

Unlike traditional security models based on military alliances, the SCO neither provides collective defense guarantees nor targets any third party. Instead, it promotes a common, comprehensive and cooperative approach to security.

Taking its counterterrorism cooperation as an example, it clearly illustrates how the SCO has sought to strengthen regional peace and stability through dialogue and practical cooperation. In 2004, it established the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent to facilitate intelligence sharing, joint training and operational coordination among member states. According to SCO Secretariat figures, coordinated efforts between 2011 and 2015 helped prevent 20 planned terrorist attacks, thwart 650 terrorism- and extremism-related crimes, dismantle 440 training camps, and disrupt networks involving more than 1,700 members of international terrorist organizations.

As regional security challenges evolved, so did the SCO's agenda. Counterterrorism remained a priority, but the organization's cooperation gradually expanded into trade, infrastructure, energy and people-to-people exchanges, transforming it into a platform for both security and development cooperation.

Promoting shared development

Over the past decade, member states have adopted a series of long-term development strategies, including plans approved at the Beijing, Ufa and Tianjin summits, providing a roadmap for cooperation through 2035. The initiatives such as China's Belt and Road Initiative, Russia's Greater Eurasian Partnership and Kazakhstan's Bright Road program have also found alignment within the SCO framework.

Practical cooperation has continued to expand. For example, a 2014-agreement on international road transport created a framework for smoother cross-border logistics, while recent initiatives have focused on energy, digital transformation, green development and scientific innovation.

At the 2025 Tianjin Summit, China proposed new cooperation platforms in energy, green industries and the digital economy, alongside cooperation centers for science and technology, higher education and vocational training. China also pledged funding for livelihood projects and financial support to promote regional development.

Looking ahead, SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev has identified priorities for 2026 that include consultations on establishing an SCO development bank, financing key regional projects, improving transport connectivity and accelerating digital transformation.

Amplifying the voice of Global South countries

Beyond its regional agenda, the SCO has increasingly positioned itself as a platform through which developing countries can coordinate on global issues. Its members consistently advocate multilateralism, support the central role of the United Nations and call for greater representation of developing countries in global governance.

Against a backdrop of prolonged geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and economic uncertainty, the organization has continued to stress dialogue over confrontation and cooperation over unilateralism. Its expanding "SCO+" partnership mechanism has also attracted growing interest from countries seeking closer engagement, reflecting the organization's broader appeal beyond its formal membership.

Sun Zhuangzhi, director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the SCO has developed a model of regional cooperation that moves beyond traditional geopolitical rivalry.

"The SCO's cooperation philosophy goes beyond conventional international relations thinking," Sun said. "It offers a regional security model that differs from Cold War thinking and bloc confrontation. By actively participating in regional governance, the SCO is playing an increasingly important role in Eurasia."