Opportunities and Challenges of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization——A Summary of the 11th International Symposium on Central Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – 上海合作组织的机遇与挑战——第十一届中亚与上海合作组织国际学术研讨会综述

After the global financial crisis in 2008, there have been subtle changes in the international structure. The soft and hard power of developed countries has declined relatively, and the comprehensive strength of emerging economies has risen significantly, which has caused profound changes in the external environment faced by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In the medium and long-term, maintaining the security and stability of the hinterland of the Eurasian continent, especially in Central Asia, remains the first task of the SCO countries. At present, the primary task of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at the economic level is to strengthen pragmatic cooperation, promote trade and investment facilitation, and build the “Silk Road Economic Belt.” At the same time, further promoting cultural cooperation and promoting people-to-people bonds will lay a more solid cultural foundation, public opinion foundation and social foundation for the in-depth development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.