Southeast Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Edging Closer in an Era of Geopolitical Churn

Author: Ian Storey

Published: 3 March 2026

ISEAS Perspective 2026/15

 

In 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and known then as the Shanghai Five, the organisation’s remit was firmly centred on Central Asia and a common commitment to improve cross-border security and combat transnational threats. In 2001, the group added a sixth member, Uzbekistan, and formally changed its name to the SCO. However, its geographical footprint and mandate remained largely unchanged.

 

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