SCO Summit 2024: Unveiling New Geopolitical Dynamics – OpEd
On July 4, 2024, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states attended the 24th SCO summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan. This meeting came at a very critical time as the global geo-political environment is in a transformative phase. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, on the one hand, and the NATO summit in Washington, on the other, demonstrate a growing rift between East and West. Amidst this, the gathering of SCO member states demonstrated shifting alliances and changing power dynamics globally. For South Asian nations like Pakistan and India, the summit highlighted their strategic significance and complex relationships within this regional bloc.
Established in 2001 by six countries: People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, SCO has evolved from a regional security alliance to a platform that is mainly challenging the US-led International order in the Asian region. With the addition of a new member, Belarus, its Eurasian identity is further strengthened. The expansion of SCO in itself clearly demonstrates this organization’s growing influence in Asia and beyond. The future potential member states to join SCO include Turkey, which has been a dialogue partner since 2012 and also a NATO member.
China’s Approach towards SCO
Chinese approach towards SCO is not limited to one dimension; it mainly revolves around the famous ‘Shanghai Spirit,’ which manifests China’s global ambitions. While deliberating upon the ‘Shanghai Spirit,’ President Xi Jinping, during the 18th meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2018, said that it is based on “mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development.
The Shanghai Spirit, transcending outdated concepts such as the clash of civilizations, Cold War thinking, and zero-sum mentality, has turned a new page in the history of international relations and is winning increasing support from the international community.” As China assumes the presidency of SCO this year, it made it very clear that it’ll move ahead with a vision of solidarity and cooperation in the region. Xi’s ambitious agenda for China’s SCO leadership included expanding activities in various areas, such as financial transactions in local currencies to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and enhancing security cooperation through intelligence sharing and counter-narcotics efforts.
China’s engagement in Afghanistan was another important topic. Xi underlined the significance of cooperating with Kabul for regional stability, although differences within the SCO on allowing the Taliban government to observe meetings. As part of its larger regional security and economic objectives, China has a strategic interest in stabilizing Afghanistan, reflected in various Chinese policies.
Russia’s Approach towards SCO
Russia saw the SCO as an opportunity to show that the Western attempts to isolate Moscow diplomatically were ineffective. President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia’s partnership with China during the summit and positioned the SCO as a cornerstone of the multipolar global order. Putin’s interaction with other world leaders, such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighted the Kremlin’s emphasis on working with its SCO allies.
India’s Strategic Ambivalence
India has an indifferent attitude toward the SCO this year. New Delhi’s cautious approach is reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s choice to send his foreign minister instead of attending the summit himself. Although India appreciates the power that comes with being a member of the SCO, there is a predominant notion in the Indian policy circle that the group is perceived as being controlled by China. Modi is not particularly interested in endorsing Chinese-led SCO efforts, given the lingering tensions between China and India since their border skirmishes in 2020. India is conflicted by the SCO’s anti-Western stance. India takes a “non-Western” posture, keeping strategic and commercial connections with the US, Japan, and Western Europe, in contrast to the SCO’s anti-Western goal. However, Modi’s absence from the Astana summit should not be interpreted as a critique of Russia, as evidenced by his subsequent visit to Moscow and warm meeting with Putin.
Pakistan’s Approach towards SCO
Pakistan saw the SCO meeting as a chance to reaffirm its strategic alliance with China and draw attention to its contributions to regional stability. Pakistan’s SCO membership aligns with its larger foreign policy goals, including bolstering relations with Russia and supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. Using the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underlined Pakistan’s dedication to regional peace and economic cooperation while subtly criticizing India. A key component of Pakistan’s foreign policy is its relationship with China, especially in light of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan may help China’s regional activities and tackle security issues, notably those about Afghanistan, by utilizing the SCO as a platform.
The 2024 SCO summit highlighted the intricate relationships among its members and the organization’s expanding importance in world geopolitics. China and Russia saw the SCO as a forum for advancing a multipolar world and opposing the American-led international system. The summit highlighted the geopolitical calculations of India and Pakistan and the delicate balance of their partnerships within the framework of the SCO. As it grows and changes, the SCO will probably play an even more prominent role in regional and international politics.
