China already has considerable influence in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Photo: Xinhua
China’s outgoing EU envoy to lead Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Can the group punch its weight?
- Zhang Ming is to take over as secretary general, making him the first Chinese to head the Eurasian grouping since 2006
- His appointment could extend China’s influence in the group, which – much like the European Union – has sometimes been described as a ‘talking shop’
China already has considerable influence in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Photo: Xinhua