Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
End of dialog window.
Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) wrapped up their high-stakes summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, this week—with regional security, trade innovation, and China’s upcoming presidency stealing the spotlight. Here’s what you need to know about the world’s largest regional bloc and its plans to shape Asia’s future.
Security First
With terrorism and cyber threats on the rise, SCO members prioritized joint counterterrorism drills and intelligence-sharing frameworks. Zhao Hai, a Beijing-based policy expert, highlighted the bloc’s focus on ‘stability through collaboration,’ while former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev emphasized infrastructure projects to curb poverty—a root cause of unrest.
Trade & Connectivity
The summit also tackled ambitious cross-border trade initiatives, including digital payment systems and green energy partnerships. Prof. Seyed Mohammad Marandi from Tehran University praised the SCO’s push for ‘non-Western-centric economic models,’ hinting at reduced reliance on the US dollar in regional deals.
China’s Leadership Role
As China takes the SCO’s rotating presidency in 2024, experts predict a tech-driven agenda, with AI governance and smart city projects likely to dominate. Will this solidify the SCO as a counterweight to Western alliances? Stay tuned.
Here’s what you need to know about the world’s largest regional bloc and its plans to shape Asia’s future.
