The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has once again emerged as one of the most influential platforms where global leaders gather to discuss cooperation, development, and the future of regional connectivity. This year, the spotlight falls on China, where the 25th SCO Summit is being hosted in the historic and strategically significant city of Tianjin. This summit is not just a symbolic gathering but a concrete demonstration of the shifting balance of global power. Asia, particularly China, is no longer on the periphery of global decision-making. It is the new center stage, where the most important economic and development conversations are unfolding.
- The author Dr. Irfan Ashraf, is the Director General of CDS, a well-known Journalist, and a political analyst who contributes to Daily Sabha and various channels.
- *The views and opinions expressed herein, and any references, are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the Centre for Development and Stability (CDS).
China’s role in hosting this summit is more than ceremonial. Beijing is not merely providing a venue but setting the tone and direction for future collaborations. The SCO has matured from a regional initiative into a global player, and China has been at the heart of this transformation. By championing projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has linked the SCO’s development agenda with a vision that connects Asia with Africa, Europe, and beyond. This integration of regional and global connectivity is redefining what cooperation means in the 21st century. It is no longer about isolated projects; it is about creating a shared infrastructure of growth, trade, and opportunity that spans continents.
The presence of world leaders in Tianjin reflects the recognition that the global economy is being redefined by Asia. Heads of state from Russia, Central Asian republics, South Asia, and other member countries are converging, bringing with them not only political weight but also the aspirations of their people. The summit provides a rare space where leaders from such diverse backgrounds can engage in collective decision-making. This in itself is a powerful message: issues such as energy pipelines, trade corridors, digital technology, climate change, and financial mechanisms are no longer matters that a single nation can resolve. They require regional strategies built on cooperation, trust, and mutual benefit.
One of the strongest points is that the SCO is a platform where dependency on Western-led institutions is being reduced. For decades, economic and financial systems were dominated by Western frameworks, often imposing policies that did not align with the realities of Asian societies. Now, through the SCO, member states are designing alternative mechanisms that are better suited to their needs. This shift represents more than economic autonomy; it is a form of political empowerment where countries assert their right to shape their own futures. China and Russia, with their growing influence, are playing pivotal roles in steering this transformation, and smaller states within the SCO find themselves part of a system that values their input.
Yet, the SCO is not simply an economic bloc. It is also a security alliance born out of necessity. The threats of terrorism, separatism, cybercrime, and drug trafficking have plagued the region for decades. No single state can manage these challenges alone, and the SCO offers a collective approach. Security and development are inseparable. Without stability, economic progress cannot be achieved, and without development, stability remains fragile. The SCO recognizes this reality and therefore combines its economic aspirations with robust security cooperation. This dual character makes the SCO unique, as it addresses both the opportunities and risks of regional integration.
The presence of high-profile leaders in China is not only symbolic but also a demonstration of the seriousness with which these issues are being addressed. The participation of figures such as the United Nations Secretary-General, the Turkish President, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscores the fact that the SCO is no longer viewed as a purely regional forum. It is increasingly shaping global conversations on peace, development, and security. Their participation sends a message that the SCO is now a space where solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges can be found.
For Pakistan, this summit carries special significance. Pakistan has a golden opportunity to strengthen its ties with both China and Central Asia. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, has already transformed Pakistan’s position on the regional map. But the SCO summit opens even broader possibilities. By engaging in dialogues on energy cooperation, cultural exchange, education, and digital connectivity, Pakistan can expand its role beyond bilateral relations and anchor itself as a bridge between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This requires not only diplomatic engagement but also strategic vision to align Pakistan’s domestic priorities with regional opportunities.
The shift in the global balance of power is clearly visible through the SCO. With the United States and its Western allies pursuing their own strategic agendas, Asian countries are increasingly relying on each other to safeguard sovereignty while advancing growth. The SCO is not about confrontation with the West but about creating alternatives. It is about ensuring that Asian countries are not dependent on systems that may not reflect their needs. The participation of leaders from diverse nations in China illustrates the principle of unity in diversity. Despite differences in political systems, cultural backgrounds, and strategic interests, these countries share a common understanding: the future depends on collaboration, not competition.
SCO summit is not a routine diplomatic exercise. It is a milestone in building a multipolar world order where Asia takes a central role. The very fact that Tianjin, a city with historic and strategic importance, is hosting this event adds another layer of meaning. Tianjin is not just a backdrop for discussions; it is itself a symbol of China’s modern development. Its port, one of the largest in the world, connects China to SCO countries and beyond, reducing logistic costs by up to 30 percent. Its smart zero-carbon terminal represents China’s commitment to sustainable development, while its industrial hubs and educational institutions reflect the integration of technology, innovation, and human resource development. Hosting the summit in Tianjin is therefore a deliberate choice, showcasing how cities can embody the principles of connectivity and cooperation that the SCO represents.
As discussions unfold, issues of regional peace, trade facilitation, energy security, environmental protection, and digital transformation are at the forefront. These are not abstract ideas but practical priorities that directly impact millions of lives. Leaders are expected to deliberate on how to enhance transportation networks, reduce trade barriers, and build digital ecosystems that empower people across borders. They are also expected to coordinate on security measures to combat terrorism and extremism, recognizing that peace and prosperity must go hand in hand.
The broader global significance of the SCO lies in its potential to shape a new model of globalization. While the old model was driven by neoliberal frameworks centered in the West, the SCO promotes a cooperative globalization centered in the East. It is development-driven, people-centered, and inclusive of smaller states. This alternative is not about replacing one system with another but about balancing global governance so that it reflects today’s multipolar realities. The SCO therefore, serves as both a practical and symbolic counterweight to Western-dominated institutions, offering countries a genuine choice in how they engage with the world.
The optimism surrounding this year’s summit is a testament to how far the SCO has come since its founding in 2001. From a small grouping known as the “Shanghai Five,” it has expanded into an organization with members, observers, and dialogue partners spanning Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Countries like Pakistan, India, Iran, Belarus, and Mongolia have joined or deepened their participation, while dialogue partners such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE reflect the growing global appeal of the SCO. This expansion is proof that the SCO responds to real needs. It is not a static organization but a dynamic one, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
In reflecting on the SCO summit 2025, the real test lies not in the declarations made but in the actions taken afterward. Building infrastructure, promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing trade flows, and securing peace are tasks that require persistence and political will. Yet, the progress so far has been encouraging. The SCO has survived more than two decades, grown in scope, and maintained relevance even as global politics have shifted dramatically. Its endurance shows that it fills a vacuum in international relations, providing a platform that many countries have long been searching for.
Ultimately, the SCO summit in Tianjin is more than just an event. It is a vision of what the future could look like when cooperation, mutual respect, and shared growth guide international relations. For China, it is a moment of leadership and responsibility. For member states, it is a chance to secure their futures through collaboration. And for the world, it is a reminder that there are multiple pathways to peace and prosperity. The SCO is carving out one such pathway, grounded in the belief that collective progress is the only way forward.
Accordingly, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is not just shaping policies; it is shaping history. The decisions taken here will influence the trajectory of trade, security, and development for decades to come. For countries like Pakistan, the opportunities are immense if approached with vision and commitment. For the broader global community, the SCO represents the spirit of a new age, an age where Asia is not only participating in global affairs but also leading them. China’s firm and visionary hosting of the summit reflects its growing role as a stabilizing force in global politics. By providing a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and shared development, China has set the tone for a more interconnected and balanced world.
