Growing Consensus: Public Opinion Supports Deeper SCO Cooperation

Recent research indicates a strong and growing belief in the positive impact of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) among it’s member states. A comprehensive report, released in Urumqi during the 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries, reveals widespread public support for the institution’s role in global affairs and a keen desire for expanded collaboration.

SCO’s Positive Influence on Global governance

The study, conducted jointly by the International News Department and the Global Times Institute, demonstrates that a critically important majority – over 80% of respondents – view the SCO as a constructive force in international governance. This perception is coupled with the belief that SCO membership provides nations with increased avenues for participation on the world stage, with approximately 70% affirming this benefit. Furthermore, over 60% of those surveyed connect SCO involvement with advancements in their countries’ sustainable advancement and modernization efforts. This aligns with the SCO’s stated goals of fostering economic growth and regional stability.

China‘s Role and the Appeal of its Development Model

A particularly striking finding is the high regard for China’s developmental trajectory. More than 90% of respondents believe that China’s experiences offer valuable lessons for their own nations.An equivalent percentage acknowledge the benefits of cooperation with China,seeing it as a catalyst for national progress. This sentiment is particularly noteworthy given China’s substantial economic growth over the past several decades, which has seen it become the world’s second-largest economy – a growth trajectory many SCO members aspire to emulate. Such as, Uzbekistan has significantly increased trade with China, leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative to modernize its infrastructure and boost economic activity.

Methodology and Scope of the Survey

The extensive survey, carried out between March 31st and May 8th, encompassed all ten full SCO member states. Over 5,700 valid responses were collected across a diverse linguistic landscape, utilizing eleven languages including Chinese, English, Russian, Persian, Urdu, and kazakh. This broad reach ensures the report accurately reflects a wide spectrum of public opinion, providing a robust assessment of sentiment towards building a more integrated SCO community. The sheer volume of responses and the multilingual approach underscore the commitment to capturing a truly representative sample.

The “Shanghai Spirit” in a changing World

The findings highlight the continued relevance of the “Shanghai Spirit” – the core principle of mutual trust, benefit, equality, and cooperation that underpins the SCO. In a global climate characterized by increasing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, the strong public endorsement of multilateralism within the SCO framework is especially significant. As the world navigates complex challenges like climate change, economic instability, and regional conflicts, the SCO’s emphasis on collaborative solutions resonates deeply with its citizens.

This year, designated as “China Year” within the SCO, underscores China’s pivotal role in the organization. China’s consistent commitment to open dialog, sharing of best practices, and provision of economic opportunities has been instrumental in fostering shared prosperity throughout the region. The report’s conclusions reinforce the idea that continued collaboration and a shared vision are essential for a stable and prosperous future for all SCO member states.

Shanghai spirit: Regional Cooperation & Public Support – Driving Growth & Stability

The “Shanghai Spirit,” the guiding ethos of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), represents a distinct approach to international relations. It prioritizes regional cooperation, mutual trust, equality, respect for diverse cultures, and the pursuit of common growth. Beyond high-level diplomacy, the Shanghai Spirit emphasizes the crucial role of public support in achieving its goals of economic growth, security, and cultural exchange within the Eurasian region. Let’s delve into how this concept translates into tangible action and resonates with the populations it aims to serve.

Understanding the Foundational Principles of the Shanghai Spirit

The Shanghai Spirit is more than just a slogan; its a set of core tenets that shape the SCO’s activities and interactions. These principles are designed to foster a stable and prosperous habitat where member states can thrive.

• Mutual Trust and Benefit: At the heart of the Shanghai Spirit lies the commitment to building strong relationships based on trust and the understanding that cooperation should benefit all participants. This fosters transparency and predictability in inter-state relations.
• Equality and Consultation: All SCO member states, nonetheless of their size or economic strength, are considered equal partners. Decisions are made through consultation and consensus, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
• Respect for Cultural Diversity: The SCO region is incredibly diverse, with a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. The Shanghai Spirit emphasizes the importance of respecting and preserving this diversity as a source of strength.
• Pursuit of Common Development: The SCO aims to promote economic growth and social progress for all its member states. This includes cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, and technological innovation.
• non-interference in Internal Affairs: The SCO operates on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of its member states. This fosters a sense of sovereignty and allows each country to pursue its own development path.

The Role of Regional Cooperation in Advancing the Shanghai Spirit

Regional cooperation is the engine that drives the Shanghai Spirit. it manifests in various forms, addressing a multitude of challenges and opportunities facing the SCO region.

Economic cooperation

Economic cooperation is a cornerstone of the SCO agenda, aiming to create a more integrated and prosperous economic space. Key initiatives include:

• Trade Facilitation: Reducing trade barriers and streamlining customs procedures to promote greater intra-SCO trade.
• Investment Promotion: Encouraging investment flows within the region to support economic development and create jobs.
• Infrastructure Development: Investing in transportation, energy, and communication infrastructure to improve connectivity and facilitate trade. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) often intersects with SCO objectives in this area.
• Financial Cooperation: Exploring opportunities for financial cooperation, including the establishment of a development bank, to support economic projects.

Security Cooperation

Maintaining regional security is a paramount concern for the SCO. The institution actively combats terrorism, extremism, and separatism through various mechanisms, including:

• Joint Military exercises: Conducting joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and coordination among member states’ armed forces.
• Data Sharing: Sharing intelligence and information to combat terrorist threats and prevent cross-border criminal activity.
• border Security: Strengthening border security measures to prevent the flow of terrorists, drugs, and weapons across borders.
• regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): The RATS is a dedicated SCO body that coordinates counter-terrorism efforts among member states.

Humanitarian and Cultural Cooperation

Recognizing the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people connections, the SCO promotes cooperation in areas such as:

• Cultural Exchanges: Organizing cultural festivals, exhibitions, and performances to promote understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures within the SCO region.
• educational Programs: Supporting student exchanges and joint research projects to foster academic collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Disaster Relief: Coordinating disaster relief efforts to provide assistance to member states affected by natural disasters.
• Healthcare Cooperation: sharing best practices and collaborating on public health initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes in the region.

Gaining Public Support: The Key to Long-Term Success

The Shanghai Spirit’s success hinges on the active engagement and public support of the populations within the SCO member states. Without buy-in from the people, even the most enterprising initiatives are likely to falter. Earning and maintaining this support requires a multi-faceted approach.

Transparency and Communication

Open and transparent communication about the SCO’s goals, activities, and achievements is crucial for building public trust. This includes:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the benefits of regional cooperation and the SCO’s role in promoting economic growth, security, and cultural exchange.
• Media Engagement: Engaging with the media to ensure accurate and balanced reporting on SCO activities and initiatives.
• Online Presence: Maintaining a strong online presence to provide information and updates to the public.

Addressing Public Concerns

Actively addressing public concerns and addressing criticisms is vital for maintaining legitimacy. This involves:

• Dialog with Civil Society: Engaging in dialogue with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and incorporate their input into SCO policies.
• Addressing Criticisms: Responding to criticisms and addressing concerns about the SCO’s impact on human rights, environmental protection, and other social issues.
• Promoting Good Governance: Encouraging good governance and transparency within member states to build public trust and confidence.

Demonstrating Tangible Benefits

Citizens are more likely to support the SCO if they see tangible benefits in their daily lives. This requires:

• Economic Opportunities: Creating economic opportunities for citizens through trade, investment, and infrastructure development projects.
• Improved Security: Enhancing regional security to protect citizens from terrorism, crime, and other threats.
• Cultural Exchange: Promoting cultural exchange and understanding to foster tolerance and respect for diversity.
• Education and Healthcare: Investing in education and healthcare to improve the quality of life for citizens.

Benefits and Practical Tips for Fostering the Shanghai Spirit

The benefits of embracing the Shanghai Spirit are numerous, both for individual nations and the region as a whole.To effectively foster this spirit, it’s helpful to implement practical strategies.

Benefits

• enhanced Regional Stability: The focus on mutual trust and cooperation reduces tensions and promotes peaceful conflict resolution.
• Increased Economic Growth: trade,investment,and infrastructure development create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
• Improved Security: Joint efforts to combat terrorism,extremism,and separatism enhance regional security and protect citizens.
• Greater Cultural Understanding: Cultural exchanges and educational programs promote tolerance and respect for diversity.
• stronger International Influence: A united SCO voice carries greater weight in international affairs.

Practical Tips

• Prioritize Dialogue: Encourage open and honest dialogue among SCO member states to address concerns and build trust.
• Focus on Win-Win Solutions: Seek solutions that benefit all stakeholders, promoting a sense of shared ownership and commitment.
• Promote Transparency: Ensure transparency in SCO activities and decision-making processes to build public trust and confidence.
• Invest in Education and awareness: Educate citizens about the benefits of regional cooperation and the SCO’s role in promoting peace and prosperity.
• Engage with Civil Society: Involve civil society organizations in SCO activities to ensure that the organization’s policies are responsive to the needs of the people.

Case Studies: Shanghai Spirit in Action

Examining specific examples of SCO initiatives can illustrate how the Shanghai Spirit translates into real-world outcomes.

The China-kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project

This project demonstrates the SCO’s commitment to infrastructure development and regional connectivity. By linking these three countries with a new railway line, it aims to facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs, and boost economic growth. its progress showcases the benefits of collaborative infrastructure projects.

Joint Military Exercises “Peace Mission”

The “Peace Mission” series of joint military exercises highlights the SCO’s focus on security cooperation. These exercises bring together armed forces from member states to enhance interoperability and coordination in combating terrorism and other security threats.This initiative displays the active cooperation within the security framework.

A Bird’s-Eye View: Public Perception in Different SCO Countries

The shanghai Spirit, though theoretically unifying, encounters diverse interpretations and levels of acceptance across the vast demographic and geopolitical landscape of the SCO member states. Factors like ancient narratives, political systems, and economic priorities exert meaningful influence on the public’s perception of the organization and its guiding principles. Here’s a simplified comparative overview of public perception from different viewpoints:

First-Hand Experience: Stories from the ground

Official statements often paint an optimistic picture, but the real impact of the Shanghai Spirit is best understood through the experiences of individuals living and working within the SCO region. Here are a few anecdotal narratives:

• The Cross-Border Trader’s Perspective: “Before the SCO’s trade facilitation initiatives, crossing the border with goods was a nightmare – endless paperwork, long delays, and unpredictable fees. Now, the process is much smoother and more transparent, allowing me to expand my business and provide for my family.”
• The Student Exchange Participant’s Viewpoint: “Participating in a student exchange program through the SCO has been life-changing. I’ve learned so much about different cultures and perspectives, and I’ve made lifelong friends. It’s opened my eyes to the possibilities of regional cooperation.”