China’s SCO Ambitions: A Platform for Influence
The recent SCO summit in Tianjin largely met expectations, demonstrating China’s ambition to elevate the organization as a key player in global governance and a counterweight to Western-led institutions. the summit saw endorsement of a ten-year development strategy, progress towards establishing an SCO Development Bank, and agreements to increase trade settlements in national currencies – all moves aimed at reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. A central element was the launch of the “Global Governance Initiative,” signaling China’s intent to reshape international norms.
While breakthroughs in areas like energy corridors and green initiatives were limited, the summit’s success lay in achieving consensus despite existing tensions between member states - notably China-India, India-Pakistan, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This ability to function amidst discord is,for Beijing,a significant achievement.
why is the SCO important to China?
China views the SCO as a crucial tool for several strategic objectives. It provides a framework to secure its surrounding region, establish institutions aligned with Chinese interests, and position China as a leader in innovative global governance.
The SCO offers a unique advantage over organizations like the UN and G20: China can directly shape its agenda without facing Western veto power. Its utility lies in three key areas: bolstering security in Central Asia, facilitating economic corridors linked to the belt and Road Initiative, and providing a platform to influence global governance discussions.
Russia plays a vital,though complex,role in this strategy. While not a natural ally, Moscow is a necessary partner, lending the SCO political weight through its military strength and UN Security Council seat. russia’s strained relationship with the West also makes it receptive to exploring alternatives to traditional financial systems, such as local currency settlements and new banking structures.
In return, China provides Russia with crucial economic support, maintaining its influence in Eurasia. This partnership is mutually beneficial, yet characterized by underlying distrust.Xi Jinping’s cautious approach to endorsing Russia’s war in Ukraine, reflected in the summit’s joint communique, underscores this dynamic. While Russia remains a co-founder, the SCO is increasingly becoming a platform where china takes the lead.
