Scope for peace

As China assumes the SCO's rotating chairmanship for 2024-25, it could potentially open the channels for diplomatic discussions related to the Ukraine crisis

In the over 23 years since its founding, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has brought together 26 countries and become a comprehensive regional cooperation organization with the largest territorial coverage and population in the world. This shows that in the new era, the concept of the SCO and the "Shanghai Spirit" are becoming increasingly relevant, while its influence, vitality and appeal continue to grow.

In July, the 24th summit of the SCO took place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The number of international organizations partnering with the SCO has expanded, and the activities of the Special Working Group on Investments have resumed.

For the first time, the summit included the "SCO+" meeting, featuring the participation of heads of observer states, dialogue partners and leaders of international organizations. During this meeting, key global and regional issues were discussed, along with ways to expand cooperation in various areas. This initiated a new format for the SCO summits, thereby broadening the opportunities and mechanisms for the organization's cooperation with interested countries and international entities. Consequently, the SCO is poised to become a key tool for strengthening global unity and harmony.

Kazakhstan places great importance on further integrating efforts within the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and the trans-Eurasian corridors in the North-South direction, including the link between Central and South Asia. To realize these plans, the necessity of taking concrete steps to establish a partnership network of strategic ports and logistics centers within the SCO framework was emphasized.

According to Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the SCO has proven to be a unique platform where the voices and interests of all member countries are equally respected. With the active support of all SCO participants, approximately 150 events of various levels were held during Kazakhstan's chairmanship, including digital, tourism, energy and business forums, as well as the SCO Youth Council.

The current complex global situation is largely a result of a deep crisis in the entire system of international relations. In this context, the SCO needs to strengthen its stabilizing and constructive role to overcome the erosion of international law, prevent geopolitical fractures, and ultimately enhance global peace and security.

The SCO has exceptional potential to serve as a guarantor of peace and security across the Eurasian continent. Another area that needs development is an Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures in the Military Sphere, which focuses on combating the three evils of terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Strengthening cybersecurity was also identified as a critical task for summit participants. In this regard, Kazakhstan proposed developing a special mechanism for continuous information exchanges, applying best practices, and sharing advanced experiences to ensure the stable functioning of the SCO countries' information infrastructure.

Following the summit in Astana, China officially assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO for 2024-25 and will host the summit in 2025.China places great importance on its chairmanship and has already fully commenced its work.

For the sake of prosperity and development, the year 2025 has been declared the Year of Sustainable Development within the SCO, with a focus on implementing projects under the BRI and intensifying cooperation in science and technology. It is also crucial to enhance cultural and youth exchanges, creating platforms for dialogue and friendship.

According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the SCO has grown into a comprehensive regional cooperation organization with the largest territorial coverage and population in the world. The organization has become a model for efforts to build new types of international relations and has provided important theoretical and practical experience in exploring ways to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

During its chairmanship of the SCO from 2024 to 2025, China is expected to collaborate with the SCO partners closely in the fields of politics, security, economy, and culture, fully leveraging the organization's role as a security shield, bridge for cooperation, bonds of friendship, and constructive force in the region.

This year has been designated as the Year of Ecology in the SCO, and the SCO Forum on Green Development held in Qingdao, Shandong province, was the first event organized by China as the rotating chair.

China emphasizes multilateralism and regional stability. Recent news highlights China's efforts to strengthen cooperation within the SCO framework, focusing on security, economic development, and cultural exchanges, reinforcing its stabilizing influence. China's diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East, including mediation efforts and investments, indicate its growing role as a neutral mediator. Recent reports suggest that China is increasingly involved in diplomatic dialogues with Middle Eastern countries, aiming to facilitate peace talks and promote economic cooperation as a path to stability. China's close ties with Russia and its principle of noninterference put it in a complex position. However, China has called for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine and a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. While it maintains a balanced stance, China's involvement in multilateral platforms such as the SCO, could potentially open channels for diplomatic discussions related to the conflict.

These points reflect China's strategic approach to international conflicts, emphasizing its role as a mediator and stabilizing force. The country's influence in these regions will largely depend on its diplomatic efforts and cooperation with other global powers.

The SCO plays a significant role in the global system, where the need for peace, development, security, and effective governance is becoming increasingly apparent. In a world facing numerous challenges — from geopolitical conflicts and economic crises to climate change and cyber threats — the SCO must become a platform actively addressing these issues.

The author is director of the China Studies Center (Kazakhstan). 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.