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An Afghan soldier stands guard at the gate of Bagram US airbase after it was vacated by American troops, on July 2. Photo: Reuters
Opinion
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial

Leading role for SCO in region fearful of instability and virus

  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, an Eurasian alliance, is an ideal platform to handle security and economic concerns starting with Afghanistan and spread of Covid-19
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial
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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established 20 years ago in a spirit of trust, mutual benefit, respect and desire for common development. Helmed by China and Russia, its joining of the two powers with India and Pakistan and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, four observer states and six dialogue partners, makes for an ideal platform to handle the region’s security and economic concerns.

As the United States withdraws its final troops from Afghanistan, there are understandable concerns about peace and stability being threatened by an upsurge in violence. State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials said, in marking the anniversary, a critical juncture had been reached and an important test lay ahead in meeting the challenges and difficulties faced.

Wang’s recent schedule says much about the disquiet. Promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan has been high on the agenda. His attendance at a meeting of SCO foreign ministers in the Tajik capital Dushanbe was a formality, although it followed visits to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. He also held talks with the SCO-Afghan contact group.

Wang called for closer cooperation of SCO members and said there was a need to “build a strong shield for regional security, unite our efforts in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism”. The upsurge in violence in Afghanistan as Western troops pull out, leaving the Taliban with a strong hand in its bid to seize power, has also brought fears among the country’s neighbours of a return of terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda.

The wreckage of a bus that exploded in northern Pakistan killing 13, including nine Chinese construction workers. Photo: Xinhua
The deaths of nine Chinese construction workers among 13 people killed in a bus explosion in northern Pakistan highlights worries; Beijing has called for a thorough investigation. Of particular concern is security in its western semi-autonomous region of Xinjiang and its Belt and Road Initiative, the vast infrastructure and development project that aims to connect the region and contribute to growth and development.
There are other concerns for the SCO: the Covid-19 pandemic has strained health systems and ravaged economies, while climate change also threatens livelihoods and development. No nation can overcome such challenges on its own. Through the cooperation of governments, an environment can be created to find solutions. The SCO provides a good platform for dialogue and working together.

No regional grouping covers as large a geographical area or brings together as many people as the SCO. It still has much to do before its members can speak with one voice and strive for common goals. But the daunting challenges faced in ensuring stability and fighting the coronavirus are alone reason for re-energised effort.

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