Latin America‘s Position as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) expands – DW, September 1, 2025
Recent meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, China, have prompted analysis regarding the potential impact of the regional group on latin America. While currently limited, experts suggest the SCO’s development warrants attention from the region, signaling a shift towards a more multipolar world.
Though the SCO is primarily a regional organization centered around Eurasian countries, analysts like Henaro argue that Latin America “shouldn’t underestimate it.” He emphasizes that policies and frameworks developed within the SCO – encompassing areas like new financial regulations and supply chain dynamics – ultimately influence Latin American economies. Ignoring the SCO, he states, risks regional isolation.
Andrés Serbin highlights the economic importance of the China-led organization, noting potential for increased cooperation. He also draws parallels and identifies mutual influences between the SCO and the BRICS economic bloc, suggesting Brazil, already holding a prominent position within BRICS, is unlikely to actively pursue closer ties with the SCO.
Experts identify both opportunities and risks for Latin America stemming from the SCO’s consolidation and China’s growing influence. Rubiolo points to potential increases in investment,trade,and infrastructure development,but cautions against a growing dependence on raw material exports and increased exposure to geopolitical competition between China and the United States.
Latin American nations, according to Rubiolo, benefit from diversification and attracting resources, but risk being “instrumentalized in a geopolitical competence that they do not control.” Henaro echoes this concern, warning of a potential “trap between Beijing loans and Washington demands,” given the region’s current reliance on the US for manufacturing and remittances, and China for raw materials. This dependence positions Latin America as a potential arena for competition focused on resources like lithium, chips, ports, and data.
Serbin notes past engagement between the SCO and Latin America, citing a 2019 meeting held by the Latin American and Caribbean economic system (SELA) focused on Eurasia and Latin America. He also mentions Cuba’s expressed interest in achieving observer status within the SCO.
Despite representing 40% of the world’s population and 25% of global GDP, the SCO remains geographically limited. Rubiolo acknowledges the continued strong institutional, cultural, security, and political influence of the United States within the Western Hemisphere, while simultaneously recognizing China’s increasing focus on the region.
