#China #Xi Jinping #Bishkek #SCO #Shanghai Cooperation

SCO at 25: Celebrating Two and a Half Decades of Collaborative Spirit

In September 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marking its 25th anniversary. This milestone celebrates not only the organization's past achievements but also the re-commitment to its foundational principles known as the 'Shanghai Spirit.' Key leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in significant diplomatic discussions, underscoring the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges.

The SCO's evolution from its establishment with six founding members to a vast network that now spans 27 countries is a testament to its robust nature and ambition. As the largest regional organization by landmass, population, and GDP—accounting for nearly half of the global populace—the SCO seeks to create a unified front to tackle pressing regional and international issues.

A Vital History of Expansion

For many experts, the 25-year trajectory of the SCO offers a unique case study in international relations. Djoomart Otorbaev, former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, noted that what began as a platform to resolve border disputes has transformed into a powerhouse for global interaction. The SCO has grown into a hub for governance and cooperative dynamics, attracting nations irrespective of their political systems and values.

Kubat Rakhimov, executive director of Applicata, highlighted that the organization's core values—mutual trust, respect for diversity, and collaborative development—were crucial as it navigated political turbulence. Rakhimov's reflection on the SCO's inception and journey speaks to its adaptability amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.

From Consensus to Action

The Bishkek summit follows the significant gathering in Tianjin in 2025, where plans were laid for the SCO Development Strategy from 2026 to 2035. This strategy aims to solidify the collaborative framework and ensure actionable outcomes from the extensive discussions held within the organization.

China’s remarkable involvement, particularly its establishment of a multilateral development bank, stands out as a centerpiece of the SCO's initiatives. This bank represents a breaking point in multilateral cooperation, with China fostering deep engagement that invites all member nations into collective economic growth.

As a leader in trade, China has seen its commercial ties with SCO countries soar—from $12.1 billion in 2001 to a staggering $523.5 billion in 2025. Reports indicate that China’s exports in new technological frontiers, including electric vehicles and renewable energies, contribute to a robust economic symbiosis among SCO members.

As the summit gathers momentum, visible projects illustrate the SCO's real-world impact. Notably, 120 electric buses from China have commenced operations in Bishkek, empowering the city's public transport system while also reducing its carbon footprint. Moreover, the introduction of significant waste-to-energy projects marks a progressive step towards sustainable urban management in Kyrgyzstan.

Future Focus: Deepening Cooperation

With the world increasingly looking for models of cooperative governance, the SCO stands at a crossroads. Experts foresee a pressing need for deepened collaborations in emergent fields such as green energy and artificial intelligence, reflecting the evolving nature of global connectivity. Rakhimov emphasizes that the SCO's openness and focus on cooperative frameworks could serve as a blueprint for similar endeavors globally.

In conclusion, as the SCO commemorates its 25 years, it does so not only with a sense of accomplishment but a forward-looking vision that aims to mold a more interconnected and cooperative future. The anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on shared successes and common goals while reinvigorating the commitment to the Shanghai Spirit that has characterized its journey thus far.