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.

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.

Since its inception, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has been criticized for lacking direction and enforcement power. Yet, the SCO still has a place as a discussion forum for top leadership in the region. We must reevaluate our expectations for the SCO and recognize that the creation of a discussion forum is a success in its own right.

The SCO, which is jointly led by Beijing and Moscow, has become the most prominent Eurasian regional security organization. Even so, its defense and institutional capabilities lag behind those of NATO.

Although the leaders of the SCO member-states emphasised that the Qingdao summit will be a new departure point for the organisation and agreed in principle that there is a need for a roadmap of actions, it still remains unclear what the SCO can really offer.

The SCO promotes harmony and goodwill throughout mankind.

After the G7 and SCO summits last weekend, it is tempting to paint a simplistic picture of a Western world unraveling at the seams and an increasingly cohesive alternative order led by powers like China. While there is an element of truth in this narrative, it is important not to overlook the enduring motives for cooperation within the Western bloc and obstacles to cooperation between the SCO powers.