The SCO was founded with security at its core
FOUNDED IN SECURITY, SUSTAINED BY STABILITY
The SCO was founded with security at its core, evolving from the "Shanghai Five," a mechanism formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 1996 to manage border security after the end of the Cold War. In June 2001, the SCO was established with Uzbekistan joining as its sixth member.
Since then, the SCO members have forged a constructive partnership based on non-alignment, non-confrontation and a commitment not to target any third party. They have remained dedicated to the Shanghai Spirit, a set of guiding principles that emphasizes mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development.
The practice of this innovative philosophy has transcended "anachronistic ideas such as clash of civilizations, Cold War mentality and zero-sum game," thereby "opening a new chapter in the history of international relations," Xi noted.