Rizky Amelia
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is set to host its annual summit in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, bringing together leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two-day event, which begins on Monday, marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO and is poised to discuss the implications of the US-Israel war on Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the push for a multipolar world order and enhanced trade and security ties among member states.
The summit's motto, "Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity," reflects the SCO's evolving role from a security bloc to an organization encompassing broader regional and global concerns. In addition to Xi, Putin, and Modi, the summit is expected to be attended by leaders from other member states, including Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and others. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn are also scheduled to participate.
The summit comes at a critical time as the world grapples with the repercussions of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has significantly impacted global energy and financial markets. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has further strained international relations and the rules-based international order. Analysts believe that the summit will provide an important platform for China and India, among other rising powers, to elevate their global influence and deepen cooperation with other countries in the Global South.
William Yang, a senior analyst for Northeast Asia at the International Crisis Group, highlighted the summit's significance in the context of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. He noted that the SCO has been a key avenue for China to promote a multipolar world order and establish its own bloc with developing countries. Despite its initial narrow scope, the organization has expanded its mandate and membership over the years.
Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at French investment bank Natixis, emphasized the importance of the summit, especially in light of the SCO's 25th anniversary. She pointed out that the summit offers the first opportunity to turn last year's Tianjin strategy into action, which called for a multipolar world order that fosters mutually beneficial international cooperation.
The SCO, originally established in 1996 as the "Shanghai Five," was formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to settle border disputes following the end of the Cold War. It evolved into the SCO in 2001 and expanded to include Uzbekistan. In 2017, the bloc further expanded to include India and Pakistan. Iran and Belarus were added as full members in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Analysts have noted that while the SCO initially focused on regional security, its expanded mandate now includes trade and other Global South concerns. This has led to comparisons with other Global South organizations like the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Alejandro Reyes, an adjunct professor at the University of Hong Kong, described the SCO as a "counterbalance" to the US-led Asia Pacific alliance aimed at countering China's rise. He emphasized that the SCO is not a coherent anti-US or anti-Western alliance but rather a forum for countries to demonstrate their strategic alternatives and maneuvering room in a volatile geopolitical order.
The significance of this year's summit lies in the potential for Xi, Putin, and Modi to discuss security, connectivity, and trade without relying on Western institutions. The summit will also serve as a test of the recent thaw in India-China relations and the potential for Eurasian cooperation in the absence of traditional Western frameworks. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the SCO summit in Bishkek is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international relations.
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