SCO Survey Reveals Strong Support for Pragmatic Cooperation among Countries

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has drawn widespread attention for its role in promoting global governance and cooperation among countries with different systems. A recent public-opinion survey conducted by CGTN and Renmin University of China found that 74.6% of respondents from 48 countries believe the SCO offers a pragmatic path for cooperation.

The SCO was founded 25 years ago, and over this period, trade volume between China and other member states has risen dramatically from $12.1 billion to $523.5 billion in 2025. Projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway and the SCO Development Bank have also made significant progress.

The survey highlights the SCO's positive impact on various sectors, including trade facilitation, investment and financing cooperation, cultural exchanges, and tourism. Among respondents from member states and dialogue partners, 75.4% stated that the 'Shanghai Spirit' provides a framework for cooperation rooted in mutual trust and benefit.

China has consistently linked its own development to that of the SCO and has invested heavily in other member states. In 2025, China's direct investment across all industries stood at $3.3 billion, covering oil and gas, mineral resources, infrastructure, new energy, automobiles, chemicals, and other sectors.