SCO summit in Bishkek will test bloc’s ability to act in concert on Iran
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, which begins in Bishkek on Monday, will bring together the leaders of China, Russia — an aggressor state, Iran, India, Pakistan, Belarus and Central Asian countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will gather together for the first time since the start of the US and Israeli war against the Islamic Republic.
As The Japan Times reports, the increased economic pressure by the administration of US President Donald Trump on Tehran may expose the SCO’s inability to act in a coordinated manner. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened an “economic D-Day” — sweeping measures against Iran and those who support it.
Predominantly symbolic solidarity
According to the publication, SCO leaders may limit themselves to predominantly symbolic solidarity with Tehran at the summit. Neither Xi Jinping nor Putin has demonstrated readiness to provide Iran with military support, while economic support has been limited.
Eurasia Group analyst Jeremy Chan suggested that Beijing may rhetorically condemn the United States while at the same time avoiding emphasis on the SCO’s ineffectiveness in protecting the security of one of its member states. The organisation marks 25 years since its founding, but rivalry among its participants, according to the source, has hindered the creation of concrete mechanisms for action in the international arena.
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Leaders’ talks
Talks between Xi Jinping and Putin are expected on the sidelines of the summit. Moscow’s economic dependence on Beijing has increased significantly after Europe imposed sanctions, which, according to the publication, helped the Kremlin sustain its war effort against Ukraine.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also set to meet with Putin. Indian diplomat Sibi George said the sides plan to review the full range of bilateral relations. Modi will also discuss trade and tariffs with Central Asian leaders. US sanctions against Iran have prevented India from using the port of Chabahar on the coast of the Gulf of Oman to access Central Asia.
The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus later joined the organisation. According to the World Bank, SCO member states account for more than 40% of the world’s population and about a quarter of global GDP.
