Author: Venera Akmatova, Political Analyst, Kyrgyzstan
1. A New Geopolitical Era and the Historic SCO Summit in Tianjin
The new geopolitical and economic challenges have placed the independence and security of every state to a serious test. In this context, the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin holds exceptional importance. Representatives from 26 countries have gathered for this event. Since its founding in 2001, the SCO has dynamically evolved and expanded. Initially comprising only China, Russia, and the Central Asian states, the organization became the world’s most powerful regional bloc after the accession of India and Pakistan in 2017 - uniting nations with the largest territorial expanse, population, and economic potential. The subsequent inclusion of Iran and Belarus further solidified its global influence.
We are not mistaken in stating that the combined potential of SCO member states is forcing a reevaluation of the rules and order in global geopolitics. This shift naturally concerns the United States and the European Union - the traditional dominant players. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the ongoing construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and other major joint projects are reshaping the political and economic-investment landscape, laying the foundation for the tangible implementation of mutual agreements.
This summit is the largest in SCO history. Alongside the main session with heads of state from full member countries, a SCO+ format will be held, including observer states and invited participants.
Beyond issues of common interest, the SCO will focus on cybersecurity, food security, and military cooperation. The current global political situation is far from ideal: the war between Russia and Ukraine, tensions between India and Pakistan, Israel’s conflict with Palestine in Gaza, and the broader confrontation between Israel and Iran have fundamentally altered the course of world politics.
In this environment, the SCO faces numerous tasks, particularly in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This conflict has influenced global politics and effectively divided the world into two camps. The SCO member states now face a serious test: whether to remain neutral or support one side. The United States and the European Union have imposed various sanctions on countries that support Russia or engage in economic cooperation with it - sanctions that directly impact national economies. Yet, such complex conflicts also reveal the strength and cohesion of the SCO.
2. Shifting Geopolitics and the SCO’s Evolving Mission
The ongoing military conflicts worldwide are reshaping geopolitics and demanding a redefinition of the mission and functions of international organizations. Due to conflicting economic interests, the world appears to be splitting into two distinct spheres.
At the upcoming SCO summit, joint efforts to counter international terrorism, religious extremism, and drug trafficking through mutually beneficial cooperation will undoubtedly remain on the agenda.
Additionally, I believe that accelerating economic digitalization and ensuring territorial security will be key topics. Sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine conflict, as well as trade pressure on countries maintaining economic ties with Russia—including China, India, and even individual Kyrgyz companies—are compelling neighboring nations to support one another. In this context, large organizations like the SCO open new opportunities for Central Asian countries. These nations can leverage China’s economic potential to modernize and innovate their industries.
Today, Chinese investors are successfully operating in Kyrgyzstan’s mining sector and across the region, significantly improving infrastructure. President Xi Jinping of China and President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan have met several times in recent years in various formats. Beyond economic cooperation, their dialogue has expanded to include cultural and educational exchanges. A new dimension has been added: information cooperation. Notably, an agreement has been signed between China’s Xinhua News Agency and Kyrgyz media outlets.
Xinhua is one of the world’s largest news agencies, and its experience will be extremely valuable for our media. Among all the cooperation between our two countries, I would like to highlight this agreement in particular. In today’s advanced world, two main types of competition and conflict have emerged: information warfare and trade-economic rivalry. Therefore, cooperation and experience-sharing in the information sphere are not only useful but critically relevant.
3. Geostrategic Independence: An Existential Imperative for Central Asia
Geostrategic independence is of paramount importance for the states of Central Asia - indeed, it is an existential issue. Central Asia is a crossroads of Western and Eastern interests. The region’s advantageous geopolitical position brings significant pressure when pursuing an independent foreign and economic policy. At times, Western and U.S. influence has dominated; at others, the growing influence of China and Russia has been evident. When making key decisions, Central Asian states often find themselves caught between Scylla and Charybdis.
Nevertheless, maintaining a balance of political and economic forces in the global order is crucial for the security of Central Asian nations. As history shows, regional states consistently choose a multi-vector foreign policy, striving for cooperation and mutual understanding with all countries.
Today, the SCO serves not only national interests but also transregional ones that extend beyond the region itself. For the people of Central Asia, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project represents a major economic breakthrough. The SCO holds immense significance for political, economic stability, and security - not only in the region but globally. This is why the organization’s prospects lie ahead. I am confident that more countries will join the SCO, as who wouldn’t want peace and development?
Member states should strengthen cooperation in developing new technologies, medicine, and genetic engineering.
A balance of power is essential for maintaining global peace and stability - a fact no longer a secret. The unification of China with nuclear powers such as Russia, India, and Pakistan within this organization will undoubtedly shape global politics.
4. The SCO’s Significance for Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan
The SCO’s importance for Central Asia, and particularly for my country, the Kyrgyz Republic, is immense. We hope it will help combat international terrorism and drug trafficking. In a developing region like ours, all factors that promote stability and economic growth are essential.
Trade and economic relations are increasingly developing within the SCO framework, culminating in landmark projects such as the transboundary railway. The initiative to build the railway under the Belt and Road Initiative is supported unanimously - even by opposition forces in Kyrgyzstan who otherwise criticize the government. More specifically, this initiative enjoys support across the entire political spectrum of our country.
The gradual strengthening of the SCO and the accession of new members undoubtedly concern the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. After all, SCO countries possess vast human, natural, and economic resources. China’s role within the SCO is particularly significant. In today’s unstable global environment, China can become a guarantor of stability. China’s balanced foreign policy offers mechanisms that can influence countries involved in military conflicts. China proposes all forms of economic cooperation to the world - an offer of great importance for developing nations in Central Asia and Africa.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 1, 2025