Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Structure and Purpose
The SCO is a Eurasian political and security intergovernmental organisation founded on June 15, 2001 in Shanghai. It evolved from the Shanghai Five (1996), originally comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017; Iran joined in 2023. Laos became the latest member in 2025. The SCO's core objectives include promoting regional peace and stability, combating the "Three Evils" (terrorism, separatism, extremism), and fostering economic and cultural cooperation.
- Secretariat: Beijing, China.
- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Executive Committee: Tashkent, Uzbekistan — the dedicated counter-terrorism body.
- Decision-making: Council of Heads of State is the supreme body; each presidency rotates among members.
- 2026 chair: Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek hosts the Defence Ministers' Meeting).
- Members (as of 2025): China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran; Laos (2025 addition).
● Tracked since April 27, 2026 · last seen August 30, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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