The SCO is also the first international organization underpinned by values such as mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development, known as the Shanghai Spirit.
All SCO members, regardless of size, political systems and levels of development, have equal say in the organization, which rejects power politics and advocates democratization of international relations. The countries have formed a "new community of common security and common interests" through cooperation, the report says.
The Shanghai Spirit is consistent with the China-proposed "new type of international relations" and Beijing's vision of "building a community of shared future for mankind." So cooperation within the SCO can demonstrate how China's diplomatic visions work in practice, especially after the admission of India and Pakistan as full members last year.
Besides, the SCO is "the only mature and stable multilateral cooperation mechanism through which China can participate in Central Asian affairs," the report indicates, calling the bloc an important platform for China's diplomacy with its neighbors.
II. The SCO helps China adjust its ties with major regional powers.
"The strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia was the foundation for the SCO's creation," says the report. The SCO in turn became a platform for the two countries to discuss their concerns, coordinate stances and expand cooperation, it adds.
In 2011, China and Russia elevated their ties to comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Apart from regular meetings between their political leaders, the two largest countries of the SCO have established cooperation mechanisms in areas such as energy, investment, trade, culture and security. They have also reached agreement on pairing the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-led Eurasia Economic Union.
The SCO has fostered and strengthened political and strategic trust between China and Russia, the report says, noting that the bilateral ties could become closer after US President Donald Trump referred to both countries as "revisionist powers" and "competitors" when announcing his national security strategy last December.
"The SCO has also become an important platform for China and Russia to resist Western pressure through coordination and cooperation," the report stresses.
Meanwhile, it believes the SCO can help China and India adjust their relations, suggesting that the South Asian power's integration into the SCO economic, trade, financial and security cooperation may ease tensions between the two countries and deepen their cooperation.
