Finding stability in uncertainty

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit took place from October 15-16 in Islamabad, Pakistan, with the participation of high-ranking leaders from member states, as well as observer and "dialogue partner" countries.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks at the opening session of the SCO at the Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad, on October 16. (Source: PID)

Despite facing violence and political instability, Islamabad, as the host and rotating chairman of the SCO, made every effort to ensure the security of the event.

Opening amidst instability

Ahead of the SCO Summit, host country Pakistan faced security challenges posed by protest groups, separatists, and dissidents. In particular, the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan launched a series of protests demanding “the independence of the judiciary” while the government proceeded with constitutional amendments. The PTI also threatened to hold a large demonstration in central Islamabad, where the SCO Summit was scheduled to take place, in an attempt to “embarrass” the government of Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif.

Not only in the capital, but separatist groups in Balochistan province bordering Iran frequently attack Chinese citizens working on projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The recent attack by separatist groups on a convoy carrying Chinese engineers in the port city of Karachi, which resulted in two deaths, has further heightened security concerns ahead of the conference. Observers believe this is the perfect time for separatist groups to destabilize security and draw international attention.

The “firsts”

Despite the complex security situation in Pakistan, representatives from 10 member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Iran, and India, attended, along with representatives from 16 associate, observer, or “dialogue partner” countries. A highlight was the presence of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

This was the first visit by a high-ranking Indian official to Pakistan in nearly nine years. The presence of Prime Minister Li Qiang was particularly significant, marking the first visit by the head of the Chinese government, Pakistan's "all-weather" partner, in 11 years.

During the visit, the two sides reviewed security-related issues and the progress of the CPEC implementation, and inaugurated the Chinese-funded international airport in Gwadar, Balochistan province, which houses a strategic deep-water port that Islamabad has leased to Beijing for 99 years. Currently, the CPEC is the most important segment of China's BRI in South Asia, with over $50 billion invested and loaned into the CPEC.

This SCO summit also marked the first appearance of an Iranian delegation led by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. This was an important opportunity for Islamabad to promote cooperation with Tehran in addressing emerging issues in the region, particularly the recent tensions between Iran and Israel. Notably, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin led the Russian delegation, while the Mongolian Prime Minister also participated as an observer.

Cooperation in disagreement

The SCO Islamabad Summit focused on discussions across a wide range of areas, from economic and trade issues to the environment, regional security, and socio-cultural aspects, with the expectation of reaching consensus to further strengthen connectivity and cooperation among members. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that the SCO is "a beacon of multilateralism," believing that it "has not only the potential but also the will to create a more prosperous and secure future for its people."

The Pakistani Prime Minister called for the establishment of a framework within the SCO to promote trade and a vision of a connected Eurasia. He also called for the expansion of key projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CPEC), and the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC) to enhance integration and cooperation across the region. However, existing disagreements among SCO members pose challenges and obstacles to reaching consensus on many pressing issues such as the Middle East hotspot, the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, regional security, and global issues.

The SCO Summit was Pakistan's first large-scale multilateral event in many years, and it came at a time of escalating security and political instability. Despite facing security and economic challenges, this summit presented an opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its diplomatic standing and project an image of an active participant in multilateral forums.

At the same time, bilateral events on the sidelines of the Conference helped Pakistan strengthen economic cooperation with Russia, China, and Central Asian countries.

Prime Minister Li Qiang's participation helps China strengthen closer ties with Central Asian countries, boosting Beijing's role in common regional issues. Currently, China is playing an active role in resolving hotspots such as the Hamas-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

For the SCO, in the context of an international and regional environment facing unprecedented challenges, this economic and security bloc is expected to yield more practical cooperation results, serving as a forum for member states to continue upholding the "Shanghai Spirit," fostering cohesion to contribute more to regional peace, stability, and development.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuong-dinh-sco-tim-on-dinh-trong-bat-dinh-290432.html