Shanghai Cooperation Organization and US Security Considerations

The war in Afghanistan has shown that the US approach in international considerations has shifted toward the east, while in the past it was more oriented towards the Middle East. The foreign policy of the United States in the east has been based on the interests of this country in the Middle East. Central Asia is a tense region with its own security concerns. In addition, the activities of Russia and China in this region add to the region’s complexities. The two countries have strong, traditional and often long-lasting political ties with the countries of the region. Initially, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) included five countries from Central Asia and all East Asian countries. Apparently, the organization's approach was based on economic, social, and political considerations. However, SCO is an organization that often seeks the interests of Russia and China in the region. It apparently does not have any negative attitude toward world powers, but it has, however, shown various signs over time that have aroused international concerns. It has also considered the demands of countries such as Iran, India and Pakistan for membership in the Cooperative Organization. Therefore, it can be said that members of SCO are not merely small political economic partners, but they have developed considerably and are becoming regional powers. SCO policies and practices have often clashed with US policies. Among the challenges facing this relationship are the war in Afghanistan, the US-Taiwan defense treaty and the US missile defense system in this country. Considering these comprehensive issues, we can cite America's serious concerns about SCO plans.