25 years of shared vision

The SCO evolves into a key force for peace, development and global governance in Eurasia

At 25, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization stands as one of the most significant political and strategic developments in the contemporary Eurasian landscape. Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and later expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus, the SCO has become the world’s largest regional organization in demographic terms, encompassing more than 3 billion people across the Eurasian landmass.

Over the past 25 years, it has evolved from a regional security arrangement into a multidimensional institution addressing security, economic development, cultural exchange and global governance. Its rise reflects the broader transformation of Eurasia.

The SCO is fundamentally a Eurasian organization. Geographically, politically and strategically, it links East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe within a framework of dialogue and cooperation. Unlike Cold War alliances built on ideological confrontation, the SCO emerged from practical efforts to stabilize borders, combat terrorism and build trust among neighboring states after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Its guiding principles — the “Shanghai Spirit” — emphasize mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for cultural diversity and shared development. These principles mirror the diversity of Eurasia itself: a continent of civilizations, religions and political systems united by a common interest in stability and prosperity.

The organization has also become an increasingly important actor in the evolution of global governance. At a time when many international institutions are facing legitimacy and effectiveness issues, the SCO presents a more pluralistic and representative approach to international affairs. It amplifies the voice of emerging powers and developing countries, particularly those of the Global South. SCO declarations consistently defend multilateralism, the centrality of the United Nations and the principle that international relations should rest on sovereignty, equality and consultation rather than unilateral coercion. In this sense, the organization reflects the broader shift toward a multipolar international order.

The SCO’s contribution to global governance is not merely rhetorical. Over the years, it has developed mechanisms for cooperation in areas ranging from counterterrorism to digital governance, energy policy, environmental protection and sustainable development. The adoption of long-term strategic frameworks such as the SCO Development Strategy until 2035 demonstrates that the organization increasingly views itself not simply as a regional forum, but as a constructive force in shaping the future international system. By fostering dialogue among major Asian powers whose interests do not always converge, the SCO helps reduce tensions and cultivate habits of cooperation in an increasingly unstable international environment.

One of the SCO’s most tangible achievements has been in the field of peace and security. The organization was born out of security concerns, and this remains one of its principal strengths. The SCO was among the first regional organizations to institutionalize cooperation against what it defines as the “three evils” — terrorism, separatism and extremism. Through its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and regular joint military exercises, member states have established mechanisms for intelligence sharing, border security cooperation and coordinated responses to transnational threats.

The significance of this role should not be underestimated. Eurasia has long been vulnerable to instability arising from terrorism, separatist movements, narcotics trafficking and geopolitical rivalry. The SCO has contributed to stabilizing Central Asia, strengthening state capacity and reducing the risk of regional fragmentation. Its members have also expanded cooperation in cybersecurity, organized crime prevention and anti-drug operations. Importantly, the organization has sought to address security challenges through dialogue and consensus rather than military blocs and confrontation. This approach has enabled states with different political systems and strategic cultures to cooperate pragmatically on shared concerns.

The SCO is also playing an increasingly important role in economic development. Eurasia is rapidly emerging as one of the central axes of the global economy, and the SCO provides a framework through which trade, connectivity and investment can expand across the continent. Infrastructure cooperation, transport corridors, energy partnerships and digital connectivity have become central themes of SCO summits. The organization’s activities increasingly intersect with broader Eurasian integration initiatives, particularly China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Economic cooperation within the SCO reflects the considerable complementarity of its members. China contributes industrial capacity, technological advancement and financial resources; Central Asia offers strategic geography and energy wealth; South Asia provides demographic dynamism and vast market potential; Russia and Iran add strategic depth and connectivity. As sanctions, trade disputes and geopolitical fragmentation continue to reshape the world economy, Eurasian integration through institutions such as the SCO is likely to gain further importance. The organization therefore serves not only as a diplomatic platform, but also as a driver of continental connectivity and development.

Equally important is the SCO’s expanding role in promoting people-to-people exchanges. Durable regional cooperation cannot rest solely on intergovernmental structures; it also requires cultural and social understanding among peoples. Over the years, the SCO has organized youth forums, university networks, tourism initiatives, cultural festivals and media exchanges. Educational and academic cooperation have become especially significant as younger generations across Eurasia seek greater interaction and broader opportunities.

These exchanges matter because Eurasia contains immense cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. The SCO’s emphasis on dialogue among civilizations contrasts sharply with narratives of inevitable cultural conflict. By encouraging contact among students, scholars, artists and entrepreneurs, the organization helps foster a broader Eurasian consciousness grounded in cooperation rather than division. In the long run, such societal ties may prove as important as formal agreements between governments.

Looking ahead, the SCO’s role is likely to continue expanding. As China deepens its engagement with Eurasia through trade, infrastructure and strategic partnerships, the SCO naturally acquires greater importance as one of the principal institutional frameworks linking the continent together. China provides the organization with momentum, resources and strategic direction.

The meeting between SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev and the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais in Beijing on Dec 8, 2025 underscored the growing logic of greater engagement between the SCO and the EU. As Eurasia becomes increasingly central to global politics and economics, cooperation between the EU and the SCO is not only desirable but strategically rational for both sides. The two frameworks share important interests in regional stability, sustainable development, energy security, transport connectivity, climate cooperation and the management of transnational threats. Rather than viewing one another through the lens of geopolitical rivalry, the EU and the SCO could gradually develop complementary forms of cooperation across the Eurasian space.

The SCO offers the EU an important channel for engaging in the evolving dynamics of Central Asia and the broader Eurasian continent, while the EU brings technological expertise, investment capacity and decades of experience in regional integration. In the long run, greater synergies between the two sides could contribute to a more stable, interconnected and cooperative Eurasian order grounded in dialogue, multilateralism and mutual respect.

Twenty-five years after its founding, the SCO has become a major Eurasian institution contributing to peace, economic development, cultural dialogue and the emergence of a more multipolar international order. As the center of gravity of world politics and economics continues to shift toward Eurasia, the SCO’s relevance is likely to grow further. In many respects, the future of the SCO and the future of Eurasia are becoming increasingly intertwined.

The author is a specialist in global affairs and Sinology, and the founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.