Can the SCO become a true alternative in the new world order?

The formation created in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, known as the Shanghai Five, officially became the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2001 with Uzbekistan's participation at a meeting held in Shanghai.

Initially planned for border security, this organization took an important step toward becoming a strong player in economics, politics, security, and energy across Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe with the inclusion of India (2017), Pakistan (2017), Iran (2023), and Belarus (2024).

Today, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which has gathered its members in Kyrgyzstan, has entered its 25th year.

CAN THE SCO BECOME AN ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATION?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has formed both a balancing force against the increasing power of institutions established by Western countries, and an alternative bloc for Asian, European, and Middle Eastern countries.

The economic power of the SCO member countries, their energy resources and potential, and China's leadership are strengthening a new geopolitical bloc in the new era.

On the other hand, China's Belt and Road Initiative, integrated trade routes, regional infrastructure projects, and its strategy advocating a multipolar world order in the Eurasian geography further strengthen the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF SHANGHAI

When discussing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, one must not pass over Shanghai, the city from which the organization takes its name.

Last week, upon the invitation of Türkiye's Embassy in China, we were in Shanghai and Xinjiang with academics from various universities.

We met with academics at the Shanghai University Center for Turkish Studies.

It should also be noted that Shanghai has become China's largest gateway to the global economy and its heart, much like its role in the Asian region.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange and the International Energy Exchange, both located in Shanghai, have transformed into a regional financial and energy center.

Shanghai, home to the world's busiest container port, has become a key node in Asia-Pacific supply chains.

Furthermore, thanks to its free trade zones, advanced industrial infrastructure, and high capital inflows, Shanghai has become both a driving force of the Chinese economy and a changer of the direction of global trade and investment across Asia.

Shanghai has risen from being a traditional port city to becoming a pioneering center in technology, skilled labor, and green transformation.

Most importantly, it is observed that Shanghai, with its population of 25 million and strong infrastructure, has become a center of attraction in many fields worldwide.

Therefore, Shanghai, which has become one of the world's economic power centers, is triggering significant changes in economics, politics, security, logistics, and energy, while also increasing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's global potential.