Partnership or rivalry? China's Interaction with Russia on Regional security issues within the SCO

Abstract

This article explores the complex dynamics of Sino-Russian relations within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), focusing on the balance between partnership and rivalry in the field of regional security. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of official documents, leadership statements, materials from academic publications, and secondary sources, this study sheds light on how China and Russia use the SCO as a platform to counter Western influence in Central Asia and promote a multipolar world order. The research also reveals the emergence of elements of competition, particularly related to China's growing economic influence in the region, which may come into conflict with Russia's traditional interests. However, the findings underscore Moscow and Beijing's ability to maintain pragmatic cooperation on security issues within the SCO, illustrating their skill in navigating between cooperation and competition. The article analyzes the SCO's institutional mechanisms that facilitate this cooperation, such as regular summits, joint military exercises, and counter-terrorism initiatives, and examines how the two powers manage their differences through bilateral channels. The study also explores the impact of external factors, such as the American presence in Central Asia and regional security challenges, on the Sino-Russian dynamics within the SCO, as well as the potential consequences of Russia's growing economic dependence on China for the balance of power within the organization. This article offers a nuanced perspective on how China and Russia balance their sometimes divergent interests while maintaining strategic cooperation within the SCO, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the complex geopolitical relationships in Eurasia.