A Pakistani analyst has said the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is providing strong momentum for the rise of the Global South, according to a report published by Chinese outlet 中安在线 on Friday.
The report, which cites the expert’s remarks, frames the SCO as a key platform for emerging economies to coordinate positions and push for a more balanced international order. The analyst’s comments come as the bloc marks 25 years since its founding, with member states highlighting the organization’s growing role in regional and global affairs.
Chinese state media have been running a series of pieces this week to mark the SCO’s anniversary. 新华网 published a retrospective on the group’s evolution, while 光明网 showcased a photo essay titled “25 years of the SCO.” 人民网, in a separate article, stressed the value of mutual learning and closer ties among member states, and 中国经济网 reported that Russia expects the SCO to expand its areas of cooperation in the coming years.
The SCO, which includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian states, has increasingly positioned itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions. The Pakistani expert’s comments align with that narrative, suggesting the bloc serves as a vehicle for countries in the Global South to amplify their voices on the world stage.
What to watch next: Whether the SCO’s next summit produces concrete steps on economic integration or new membership bids, as member states look to deepen the group’s influence beyond security issues.
