Tackling terrorism, separatism and extremism will be key topic

Editor's note: President Xi Jinping and other leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries are attending the group's annual summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Thursday and Friday. Here, experts look at possible major topics for discussion.

Wang Kaiwen

Former ambassador to Kyrgyzstan

The SCO has been around for 13 years and has become more influential. Many countries have shown an interest in joining it. However, many of them can take part in the summit only as observers or dialogue partners. There is no legal mechanism that clarifies which countries are qualified to be members and the procedures required for joining. Such a mechanism is a must for a mature international organization.

It's highly possible that the six member countries will sign legal documents to establish such a mechanism. This will be the focus of attention this time.

The SCO's planning over the next 10 years will also be a topic for discussion.

While anti-terrorism measures will be discussed, as previously, member countries will debate further cooperation on politics, economics, trade and culture.

Wu Hongbin

Former ambassador to Turkmenistan

SCO member countries will announce more measures at the summit to enhance regional stability in Central Asia.

Peace Mission 2014, which ended late last month and saw the participation of five SCO countries, shows that the organization's member nations have reached a consensus to some extent to take more measures to enhance stability in the region.

The situation in Afghanistan and the crackdown on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism will be key topics at the summit.

Some SCO member countries have disputes with each other over cross-border vehicle movements, which have greatly hindered regional economic development. The problem hasn't been solved for more than a decade.

It's highly possible that member countries will reach an agreement on the issue this time. This will be significant not only for regional economic development, but will also broaden mutual political trust between member countries.

Chen Yurong

Secretary-general of the Chinese Center for SCO Studies at the China Institute of International Studies

Boosting security cooperation to cope with terrorism, separatism and extremism will be the first and foremost topic to be discussed.

Another important topic will be strengthening economic ties. Central Asian countries, mired in financing difficulties over development, have great hopes that the group will help revitalize their economies. China has so far provided more than $20 billion in loans to other member countries to improve infrastructure. I have traveled to Dushanbe several times and the city is undergoing a rapid transformation.

Feng Yujun

Director of the Russian Studies Division at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations

The summit will provide an opportunity for members to bounce back from the economic stagnation caused by the global financial crisis and from the tense situation in Ukraine.

Western countries have already imposed harsh sanctions on Russia since political turmoil erupted in Ukraine.

The negative consequences will spread to neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan.

Within the SCO framework, the potential for cooperation in areas such as transportation, energy and agriculture may offer new perspectives for member states.

China's proposal for a Silk Road economic belt will supplement SCO economic initiatives.