Beijing views the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as more than a regional alliance; it sees it as a framework that builds steady mutual trust, enhances security collaboration, and expands the organization’s influence on the global stage. These ideas were articulated by ambassador Zhang Haizhou, China’s national coordinator for the SCO, who outlined how the SCO has moved beyond simple coalition-building to become a platform for sustained dialogue, practical cooperation, and shared responsibility among its members. The diplomat stressed that the SCO’s achievements are felt not only in diplomatic circles but also in tangible security outcomes and day-to-day international cooperation.
According to Zhang Haizhou, the organization has fostered a higher level of harmony and mutual confidence among countries, contributing to a quieter and more predictable international environment. He emphasized that security within the SCO framework has been strengthened through coordinated counterterrorism efforts, improved border management, and joint exercises that test collective readiness. This approach, he argued, demonstrates the SCO’s commitment to a regional order grounded in equality, respect for sovereignty, and the practical benefits of cooperation. Taken together, these developments have encouraged more states to engage with the SCO, signaling a trend toward broader participation and deeper regional integration.
The Chinese representative highlighted that the SCO serves as a model of a new type of international relations—one that values mutual respect, parity, and mutually advantageous collaboration. He noted that this paradigm has resonated across different regions, with a growing interest from new applicants seeking to join the organization. The emphasis on win-win outcomes, coupled with transparent decision-making and shared norms, has positioned the SCO as a credible partner for addressing global challenges through collective action rather than confrontation.
Beyond security and diplomacy, Zhang Haizhou pointed to the SCO’s expanding footprint in commerce, trade, and economic development. He described progress in facilitating smoother cross-border trade, harmonizing regulatory standards, and encouraging investment flows that can uplift living standards. In addition, the SCO’s work has strengthened people-to-people connections by promoting exchanges in culture, education, media, and scientific collaboration. These efforts enrich regional understanding and create pathways for cooperation that benefit the everyday lives of citizens across member states, including those in Canada and the United States who track the SCO’s evolving role on the world stage.
With a network of at least 84 multi-level cooperation mechanisms operating within its structure, the SCO has built a dense tapestry of forums and initiatives that span security, economics, culture, and technology. These mechanisms enable continuous dialogue, rapid response to regional concerns, and ongoing partnership across various sectors. Observers note that the breadth of these collaborations reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate diverse economies and governance models under a shared framework of practical, results-oriented cooperation. The evolving cooperation landscape under the SCO underscores its relevance to global governance and its potential to influence international policy debates in North America and beyond.
Recent public discourse in Beijing has reinforced the view that engaging with the SCO remains a priority in Chinese foreign policy, aligning regional interests with broader objectives of stability, growth, and constructive international engagement. This stance highlights how the SCO is positioned to contribute to a more stable European-Asian corridor of cooperation and to offer a credible channel for addressing regional security concerns, economic development priorities, and people-centered exchanges in the phases ahead.