The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s principle that economic development and security are inseparable, is far more advanced than NATO’s exclusive security concept and will inevitably become mainstream in the field of international security.

Given the many views of its members — which often do not align — deciding which path to take and how that process works are of fundamental importance to the international organization’s existence and operation.

Within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the need to transform into a constructive force for regional peace, stability, prosperity and development aligns with the need for development, now and in the future.

Some ponder what the future of the organization will look like given internal divisions, a hollowing-out of cooperation and the isolation of some member countries by the West.

Interstate political relations are changing the dynamics of the international system. China’s relationship with Russia has become a tool for balancing the shifting pres-sures. But no country can predict the consequences of war. Staying out of it may be the best way to maximize gains.

As the U.S. seeks to advance its position and strengthen the U.S. dollar global dominance, it is also facing challenges and an anti-hegemonic sentiment from other states. Events such as the war in Ukraine, tensions between the U.S., Russia, and China, as well as new strategic partnerships developed between China and Europe, Latin America, and Africa, are driving forces in the shift of balance of power to non-Western nations.

Held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the summit — a milestone in the 26-year-old Shanghai process — came during turbulent times. The world’s political, economic and security situation is in flux, but it is certain that the summit will open a new stage of development for the Belt and Road Initiative.

What is the role of the SCO in stabilization and reconstruction? The capacity of its members may be limited, but the U.S. withdrawal presents an opportunity to build credibility. Failure to act may invite skepticism in the international community about the group’s ability to participate in international affairs.

China and Russia have spent over 20 years in direct partnership with many of Central Asia’s nations, and there the Taliban’s new government fits in is causing a major commotion at their cooperative table.

Supporting expansion is a risky decision at time when major-power politics are in a state of “cold peace.” But no matter what the outcomes are, China needs to actively pursue its own interests in the SCO space. Guaranteeing stable expectations for its security interests is most important.