What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and international security organization. It was established in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus.

When was the SCO established and by which countries?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established on June 15, 2001, by six founding member states: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

How has the membership of the SCO evolved since its formation?

The SCO began with six member states in 2001. India and Pakistan became full members in June 2017. Iran joined in July 2023, and Belarus joined in July 2024, increasing the total membership to ten countries.

What is the geographic and demographic significance of the SCO?

The SCO is the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope, covering approximately 24% of the Earth's landmass (65% of Eurasia). It also represents a significant portion of the global population, accounting for 42% of the world's total.

What is the economic impact of the SCO member states?

As of 2024, the combined nominal GDP of SCO member states represents about 23% of the world's total GDP. When measured by purchasing power parity (PPP), their combined GDP constitutes approximately 36% of the global total.

What organization preceded the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is the successor to the Shanghai Five, an organization that was formed in 1996.

When was the Shanghai Five group formed and what was its initial purpose?

The Shanghai Five group was formed on April 26, 1996, with the signing of the Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Its initial purpose was to enhance military trust and reduce military forces in border areas.

What key treaties were signed by the Shanghai Five in its early years?

The Shanghai Five signed the Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions in 1996 and the Treaty on Reduction of Military Forces in Border Regions in 1997.

What was the significance of the 1997 Moscow meeting for the Shanghai Five?

During the 1997 Moscow meeting, the Shanghai Five signed a treaty on military force reduction in border regions, and Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Chinese leader Jiang Zemin signed a declaration advocating for a 'multipolar world'.

What principle regarding internal affairs was agreed upon at the 2000 Dushanbe summit?

At the 2000 Dushanbe summit, the Shanghai Five members agreed to oppose external intervention in their internal affairs based on 'humanitarianism' or 'human rights,' and to support each other in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and social stability.

How did the Shanghai Five evolve into the SCO in 2001?

In 2001, the Shanghai Five met in Shanghai, institutionalizing the organization and admitting Uzbekistan. The leaders signed the Declaration of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, aiming to elevate cooperation to a higher level.

What is the supreme decision-making body of the SCO?

The Council of Heads of State (HSC) serves as the supreme decision-making body of the SCO, meeting annually at summits to discuss and decide on key issues.

What is the SCO Charter and when did it come into force?

The SCO Charter, signed in Saint Petersburg in June 2002, defines the organization's objectives, principles, structure, and operational framework. It officially entered into force on September 19, 2003.

What was the significance of the 2005 Astana summit regarding the SCO's scale?

The 2005 Astana summit marked a significant expansion in the SCO's scope, as leaders from India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan attended for the first time, with Kazakhstan's president noting that the representatives present accounted for 'half of humanity'.

What are the two official languages of the SCO?

The official languages of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are Chinese and Russian, reflecting the linguistic diversity of its core membership.

Where are the SCO Secretariat and the RATS Executive Committee headquartered?

The Secretariat of the SCO is based in Beijing, China, serving as the main executive body. The Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

What are the primary security threats the SCO aims to combat?

The SCO primarily focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which it identifies as the main security threats in the region. It also addresses issues like cross-border human and weapons trafficking.

When was the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) established?

The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) was established in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the SCO summit held from June 16-17, 2004.

What agreement did the SCO sign with the CSTO in 2007?

In October 2007, the SCO signed an agreement with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to enhance cooperation on security matters, crime, and drug trafficking.

How did the SCO address 'information war' in 2009?

In 2009, the SCO adopted an accord defining 'information war' as an effort by a state to undermine another's political, economic, and social systems, considering the dissemination of harmful information a security threat.

What military exercises have been conducted under the SCO's auspices?

Under the SCO's auspices, joint military exercises such as 'Peace Mission 2005,' 'Peace Mission 2007,' and 'Peace Mission 2009' have been conducted, primarily involving China and Russia, with participation from other member states to enhance coordination against external threats.

What significant announcement did Russia's President Putin make during the 2007 SCO war games?

During the 2007 SCO war games, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia's strategic bombers would resume regular long-range patrols, a practice that had been suspended since the Cold War.

What economic cooperation initiatives has the SCO pursued?

The SCO has pursued economic cooperation through initiatives such as establishing a free trade area, promoting joint energy projects, exploring hydrocarbon reserves, and creating the SCO Interbank Consortium to finance joint projects.

What was China's proposal regarding economic cooperation in 2003?

In September 2003, China's Premier Wen Jiabao proposed the long-term objective of establishing a free trade area within the SCO, alongside immediate measures to improve the flow of goods across the region.

What was Iran's proposal regarding the financial system within the SCO in 2007?

In 2007, Iran's Vice President Parviz Davoodi suggested that the SCO could serve as a platform for designing a new banking system that would be independent of existing international financial systems.

What loan did China announce for SCO member states in 2009?

At the Yekaterinburg Summit in June 2009, China announced plans to provide a US$10 billion loan to SCO member states to help stabilize their economies, which were impacted by the 2008 global financial crisis.

What cultural cooperation activities has the SCO undertaken?

The SCO has fostered cultural cooperation through meetings of culture ministers, an SCO Arts Festival and Exhibition, and proposals for events like an SCO folk dance festival.

What is the SCO+ forum format?

The SCO+ forum format, initiated in October 2020, involves inter-party interactions not only among SCO member states, observers, and candidates but also includes countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and BRICS.

What are the rules regarding the frequency and location of SCO summits?

According to the SCO Charter, summits of the Council of Heads of State are held annually, with the host country rotating based on the alphabetical order of member states' names in Russian.

How did the US react to the SCO, and what was the SCO's response regarding US military presence?

The United States applied for observer status in the SCO but was rejected in 2005. Following the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the SCO requested the US to establish a timetable for withdrawing its troops from member states like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

How has the Western perception of the SCO evolved over time?

Initially, Western reactions to the SCO were marked by skepticism regarding its goals. However, by the 2010s, the West began to view the SCO more positively as a potential contributor to regional stability, particularly in relation to Afghanistan.

What was the outcome of the UN resolution regarding cooperation between the UN and the SCO in September 2023?

In September 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting cooperation between the UN and the SCO with a vote of 80 in favor, 2 against (the US and Israel), and 47 abstentions.

What geopolitical role has the SCO played in relation to its member states' differing agendas?

While the SCO provides a platform for cooperation, the divergent national interests and conflicts among its members, such as the India-Pakistan disputes and border clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, have limited its ability to act as a unified geopolitical bloc.

What was China's stance during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War concerning the SCO?

During the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, China opposed Russia's actions regarding Georgia's sovereignty and utilized its influence within the SCO to prevent the organization from supporting Russia, citing principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

What is the significance of the SCO in terms of its geographic and population coverage compared to other regional organizations?

The SCO is recognized as the world's largest regional organization based on its extensive geographic coverage, encompassing a significant portion of Eurasia, and its representation of a large percentage of the global population.

What is the significance of the SCO in terms of its combined GDP?

The SCO member states collectively account for a substantial portion of the global economy, with their combined nominal GDP representing about 23% and their PPP-adjusted GDP representing approximately 36% of the world's total.

What is the stated purpose of the SCO in its charter regarding international relations?

The SCO Charter articulates the aim of member states to foster a new concept of security based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, and interaction, thereby contributing to overall peace and security in a multipolar world.

What is the role of the SCO Secretariat?

The SCO Secretariat, headquartered in Beijing, functions as the organization's primary executive body, responsible for implementing decisions, drafting documents, managing information, and coordinating SCO activities.

What is the primary function of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)?

The RATS Executive Committee's primary function is to promote cooperation among member states in combating the 'three evils': terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

When did India and Pakistan officially become full members of the SCO?

India and Pakistan officially became full members of the SCO in June 2017, after completing the necessary procedures following their memorandum of obligations signed in June 2016.

What was the main achievement of the SCO according to a 2015 European Parliamentary Research Service paper?

A 2015 paper by the European Parliamentary Research Service identified the SCO's main achievement as providing a cooperative forum for members to manage conflicting interests and reduce bilateral tensions, while also noting that institutional weaknesses hindered deeper regional cooperation.

What is the 'Shanghai Spirit' associated with the SCO?

The 'Shanghai Spirit' refers to the principles guiding the SCO, emphasizing mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, coordination, respect for cultural diversity, and the pursuit of common development among member states.

What was the main goal of the SCO's economic cooperation efforts, such as the SCO Interbank Consortium?

The SCO's economic cooperation initiatives, including the SCO Interbank Consortium, aim to facilitate joint projects, particularly in the energy sector and resource exploration, and to provide funding for these collaborative ventures.

What is the significance of the SCO in facilitating China-Russia relations?

The SCO has served as a significant platform that has generally fostered amicable relations between China and Russia, supporting their cooperative efforts.

What was India's concern regarding a joint statement at the June 2025 SCO Defense Ministers' meeting in Qingdao?

India refused to endorse the joint statement because it omitted mention of the 2025 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of Indian tourists, and instead referenced militant activity in Balochistan, which India viewed as biased towards Pakistan's narrative.

What did India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar state regarding terrorism at the July 2025 SCO Council of Foreign Ministers' Meeting?

Minister S. Jaishankar characterized the Pahalgam attack as a deliberate act to disrupt tourism and incite religious division, stressing the SCO's commitment to an uncompromising stance against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

What concerns did India raise regarding China's hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in July 2025?

India voiced concerns about the potential downstream impacts on water security and ecological stability from China's hydropower project, advocating for increased transparency, meaningful consultation with affected countries, and the resumption of suspended hydrological data sharing.

What is the role of the SCO Secretariat?

The SCO Secretariat, located in Beijing, acts as the central administrative and executive body, responsible for implementing decisions, preparing documents, managing organizational information, and coordinating SCO activities.

What is the 'Shanghai Spirit' associated with the SCO?

The 'Shanghai Spirit' embodies the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, coordination, respect for cultural diversity, and common development that guide the SCO's interactions and objectives.

What was the stated reason for the US application for observer status in the SCO being rejected in 2005?

While the specific reason for the US rejection in 2005 is not detailed, the SCO requested the US to establish a timetable for troop withdrawal from member states shortly thereafter, suggesting potential geopolitical considerations.

What is the significance of the SCO in terms of its geographic and population coverage compared to other regional organizations?

The SCO is recognized as the world's largest regional organization due to its extensive geographic coverage across Eurasia and the large percentage of the global population it represents.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Wiki: The Eurasian Nexus: Understanding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

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Organizational Overview

Geopolitical Significance

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a prominent Eurasian political, economic, and international security alliance. Established in 2001, it has grown to encompass ten member states, representing a significant portion of the Eurasian landmass and global population.

Scope and Scale

The SCO covers approximately 24% of the Earth's land area and is home to 42% of the global population. Its combined nominal GDP represents about 23% of the world's total, with its PPP-adjusted GDP accounting for roughly 36%, underscoring its substantial economic influence.

Foundational Principles

The organization is founded on principles of mutual trust, cooperation, and adherence to international law. It aims to foster regional stability, promote economic development, and address shared security challenges, including terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Historical Trajectory

The Shanghai Five

The SCO's origins trace back to the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, formed in 1996 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. This precursor focused on deepening military trust and resolving border disputes in the region.

1996: Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions signed in Shanghai.
1997: Treaty on Reduction of Military Forces in Border Regions signed in Moscow.
2000: Dushanbe Declaration adopted, emphasizing opposition to internal interference and support for national sovereignty.

Institutionalization and Expansion

The SCO was formally established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, with the inclusion of Uzbekistan. The SCO Charter, signed in 2002 and effective from 2003, formalized its structure and objectives. Significant expansion occurred in 2017 with the accession of India and Pakistan, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.

2001: Formal establishment of the SCO in Shanghai.
2005: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan attend as observers for the first time.
2015: India and Pakistan decided to join as full members.
2017: India and Pakistan officially become full members.
2023: Iran joins as a full member.
2024: Belarus joins as a full member.

Organizational Architecture

Heads of State Council (HSC)

The supreme decision-making body, comprising the leaders of member states. It convenes annually to address major issues and set the strategic direction for the organization.

Heads of Government Council

This council, also meeting annually, focuses on the practical implementation of multilateral cooperation and approves the SCO's budget. It typically involves Prime Ministers or their deputies.

Secretariat

Headquartered in Beijing, China, the Secretariat serves as the primary executive body. It manages documentation, implements decisions, and disseminates information about the SCO's activities.

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)

Based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, RATS is a permanent organ dedicated to combating the "three evils": terrorism, separatism, and extremism. It facilitates cooperation among member states in intelligence sharing and joint operations.

Membership & Partnerships

Member States

The SCO currently comprises ten member states, reflecting a broad geographical and demographic base across Eurasia.

Country	Accession Date
China	15 June 2001
Kazakhstan	15 June 2001
Kyrgyzstan	15 June 2001
Russia	15 June 2001
Tajikistan	15 June 2001
Uzbekistan	15 June 2001
India	9 June 2017
Pakistan	9 June 2017
Iran	4 July 2023
Belarus	4 July 2024

Observers & Dialogue Partners

The SCO maintains a network of observer states and dialogue partners, fostering broader regional engagement and cooperation on various issues.

Current Observers: Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Mongolia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates.

Current Dialogue Partners: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cambodia, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey.

Note: Statuses are subject to change based on organizational decisions.

Areas of Cooperation

Security Cooperation

A primary focus of the SCO is enhancing regional security. This includes joint efforts against terrorism, separatism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. RATS plays a pivotal role in coordinating these security initiatives.

Military Exercises

The SCO facilitates joint military exercises, such as the "Peace Mission" series, to improve interoperability and coordination among member states' armed forces. These exercises aim to bolster regional stability and counter common threats.

Economic Collaboration

The organization promotes economic cooperation through initiatives like the SCO Interbank Consortium, aiming to fund joint projects in energy, transportation, and telecommunications. Discussions also include establishing free trade areas and exploring alternative financial systems.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural cooperation is fostered through events like arts festivals and folk dance exhibitions. These initiatives aim to promote understanding and build bridges between the diverse cultures within the SCO member states.

Key Summits

The SCO convenes annual summits of Heads of State, serving as critical forums for strategic decision-making and policy formulation. These meetings rotate among member capitals, adhering to a specific protocol.

Recent Summits

Recent summits have addressed evolving geopolitical challenges, economic integration, and security cooperation, reflecting the SCO's dynamic role.

Year	Location	Host Country
2018	Qingdao	China
2019	Bishkek	Kyrgyzstan
2021	Dushanbe	Tajikistan
2022	Samarkand	Uzbekistan
2023	New Delhi	India
2024	Astana	Kazakhstan
2025	Tianjin	China

Strategic Outcomes

Summits often result in significant declarations and agreements, shaping the SCO's agenda on issues ranging from global economic governance to regional security architecture and counter-terrorism strategies.

Future Prospects

Potential Accessions

Several countries have expressed interest in joining the SCO or upgrading their partnership status. This expansion reflects the organization's growing appeal and its perceived role in shaping a multipolar world order.

Countries like Bangladesh, Syria, Israel, Iraq, Algeria, and others have applied for or expressed interest in observer or dialogue partner status, indicating a continued expansion of the SCO's network.

Evolving Role

The SCO continues to adapt to the changing global landscape, seeking to enhance its influence in economic development, security cooperation, and cultural exchange, positioning itself as a key player in Eurasian and global affairs.

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References

Inactive since September 2021 following the aftermath of Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

A country officially becomes a SCO dialogue partner after its minister of foreign affairs and SCO Secretary-General sign a memorandum granting the status.

Journal of International Affairs. 2007. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Iran: A Power-full Union. Matthew Brummer

A full list of references for this article are available at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the provided source material, it is intended as an academic resource and not as official representation or definitive analysis.

This is not official advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding international relations, geopolitical strategy, or economic policy. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert analysis for critical decision-making.

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The Eurasian Nexus

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Organizational Overview ℹ️

🌍 Geopolitical Significance

📊 Scope and Scale

🏛️ Foundational Principles

Historical Trajectory 📜

🤝 The Shanghai Five

🚀 Institutionalization and Expansion

Organizational Architecture 🏛️

👑 Heads of State Council (HSC)

💼 Heads of Government Council

🌐 Secretariat

🛡️ Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)

Membership & Partnerships 👥

⭐ Member States

👥 Observers & Dialogue Partners

Areas of Cooperation ⚙️

🛡️ Security Cooperation

⚔️ Military Exercises

💰 Economic Collaboration

🎨 Cultural Exchange

Key Summits 📅

📍 Recent Summits

📈 Strategic Outcomes

Future Prospects 🔮

🌟 Potential Accessions

🌐 Evolving Role

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Organizational Overview

Geopolitical Significance

Scope and Scale

Foundational Principles

Historical Trajectory

The Shanghai Five

Institutionalization and Expansion

Organizational Architecture

Heads of State Council (HSC)

Heads of Government Council

Secretariat

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)

Membership & Partnerships

Member States

Observers & Dialogue Partners

Areas of Cooperation

Security Cooperation

Military Exercises

Economic Collaboration

Cultural Exchange

Key Summits

Recent Summits

Strategic Outcomes

Future Prospects

Potential Accessions

Evolving Role

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice