China has long positioned itself as a major power in the Asian region in terms of its economy, military, and political influence. The country’s strategic position in global affairs makes it a key player in shaping the direction of regional cooperation. In its efforts to expand its sphere of influence, China has actively promoted the formation of various alliances and multilateral organizations. One tangible example of this initiative is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which aims to foster regional stability and promote cross-border collaboration. The existence of the SCO not only serves as a platform for China to build diplomatic networks but also reflects a long-term strategy to balance global power. This context underscores the importance of examining China’s role within this organization.
The SCO addresses regional security issues like extremism, terrorism, and separatism while facilitating economic cooperation. China’s leadership in the organization is reflected in projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, which aligns with the SCO’s goals. This dominance strengthens regional stability but also increases member states’ dependency on Beijing, influencing the dynamics of relations between them. By analyzing this role, we gain insight into China’s geopolitical strategy in Eurasia. China employs both hard security and soft diplomacy to influence the region. Through economic assistance and strategic investments, it builds alliances based on mutual interests and a shared vision of prosperity. This multi-layered approach strengthens China’s role within the SCO, showing how regional power can be built not just through military force but through the integration of various interests.
The SCO originated from post-Cold War geopolitical shifts in Asia, with Central Asian countries seeking stable partnerships to address security challenges. The “Shanghai Five” meeting in 1996 marked the beginning of this cooperation, and in 2001, Uzbekistan’s inclusion formalized the SCO. The formation was driven by political, security, and economic needs, particularly to address threats like separatism and extremism. The SCO’s structure reflects collective, non-hegemonic values. The Council of Heads of State is the highest decision-making body, with each member state holding equal rights in policy decisions. The permanent Secretariat in Beijing coordinates administrative functions, while the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent handles security matters.
Membership includes diverse countries with different geopolitical and cultural backgrounds. China and Russia are the dominant powers, while smaller Central Asian nations like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan also participate. India and Pakistan joined in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023. Turkey, Belarus, and Afghanistan hold observer or dialogue partner status. This diversity enhances the SCO’s ability to address various issues, increasing the complexity of internal cooperation.
The SCO’s primary goals are regional security, economic cooperation, and political trust-building. The organization combines military, economic, and cultural efforts into a unified policy framework. Addressing terrorism, extremism, and separatism forms the foundation for ongoing cooperation, but the SCO also focuses on infrastructure development, border stability, and technological collaboration. The organization emphasizes international law and state sovereignty, moving beyond just military concerns.
China’s involvement in the SCO has been central from the start. Its strategic interests in Central Asia include domestic security, energy access, and geopolitical influence. The SCO serves as a tool for China to maintain stability in its border regions, offering a platform to promote a favorable regional order. China’s leadership in the SCO is evident through its active role in shaping the organization’s vision and providing funding.
As the initiator, China influences the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring that its values of non-intervention and respect for sovereignty are central to the SCO’s operations. This pragmatic approach has built trust among member states, fostering a sense of ownership in decision-making. China’s leadership is not overtly dominant, allowing for balanced participation in the agenda-setting process.
Economically, China plays a crucial role in regional development. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has supported infrastructure projects across Central Asia. Investments from Chinese banks and technological assistance deepen economic ties and increase regional integration. This economic collaboration has cemented China’s position as a dominant partner while maintaining the principle of equality among member states.
China’s military contributions to the SCO focus on collective security, primarily through joint exercises and information sharing. The “Peace Mission” military exercises exemplify China’s commitment to regional security, particularly in combating separatism, extremism, and terrorism. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has enhanced security cooperation, with China providing military personnel and surveillance technologies to strengthen the SCO’s security framework. Politically, China promotes diplomatic inclusivity and compromise. Its role as a mediator between Russia and South Asian countries in SCO negotiations reflects its efforts to balance diverse political interests. Through this diplomatic approach, China has expanded its global influence while encouraging stability within a multipolar international system.
Central Asia’s stability is a key priority for China, as it serves as a major energy transit route and a hub for BRI projects. Instability in the region could spill over into China’s Xinjiang region, which remains a key concern for Beijing. By supporting stability in Central Asia, China seeks to protect its domestic interests and ensure a favorable geopolitical environment. The SCO is a platform for preventive diplomacy, helping to prevent regional instability from affecting China directly. China’s military contributions to the SCO, such as joint exercises and the establishment of anti-terrorism centers, are consistent with realist logic, using military power to secure national interests. Cooperation with regional partners helps China address security threats while avoiding direct confrontation with other global powers.
The regionalist approach focuses on cooperation arising from geographical proximity and shared interests. China uses the SCO to enhance connectivity in Asia and Eurasia, particularly through projects like cross-border railways and free trade zones. This approach emphasizes regional integration and development, positioning China as a catalyst for collective growth rather than a hegemonic force. The impact of China’s regional relations within the SCO has strengthened its position in Central Asia, influencing major countries such as Russia, India, and Pakistan. China’s strategic investments in infrastructure and its involvement in regional security have attracted attention from these countries. Despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the SCO has provided a platform for dialogue, further solidifying China’s role as a regional leader. China’s strong ties with Russia also allow it to counter external threats and challenge Western dominance in the international order.
Regional security in Central Asia remains a significant concern, particularly regarding terrorism and separatism. Through the SCO, China coordinates efforts to combat these threats, especially through the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). China’s growing influence in the region could potentially create friction with global powers like the United States and the European Union, who may view China’s actions as an attempt to reshape the global order.
China’s role in the SCO has significantly strengthened its influence in Central Asia, positioning it as a dominant actor in regional and global cooperation. The SCO combines military, economic, and political interests into a single platform, allowing China to project its power while maintaining a non-confrontational stance. By fostering regional stability and promoting multilateral collaboration, China challenges the dominance of Western powers and creates new avenues for its influence in the international order. Through the SCO, China not only strengthens regional security but also promotes a multipolar world order based on shared interests and cooperation.
