Regional Cooperation and SCO: Analyzing China’s Role in Regional Integration

Abstract

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a transcontinental intergovernmental alliance, serves as a critical regional body across Eurasia. It was originally established to address border disputes among China, Central Asian states, and Russia. China’s active engagement in the SCO reflects a broader shift in its foreign policy toward fostering regional integration, emphasizing political dialogue, security, and economic interdependence under the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit.” Although the SCO has strengthened regional security and expanded its membership, various challenges persist, including conflicting national interests and rivalries among member states—particularly between India and Pakistan, and between China and India. Despite these challenges, the SCO remains a cornerstone of China’s strategy to promote a multipolar world order, counter Western dominance, and reinvigorate its regional and global influence through peaceful multilateral engagement. This research aims to examine China’s evolving role within the SCO, highlighting its transition from a cautious participant to a leading force driving counterterrorism efforts, economic cooperation through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and regional stability. 

Conflict of interest:

The author has declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article