BRICS is not really a politically-driven association, except in that it exists to ensure that the major economic powers of the late twentieth century do not have it all to themselves in the twenty-first. However, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was security-oriented from the start; originally an initiative to ensure that no adverse developments emerged from the changes in central Asia resulting from the break-up of the Soviet Union, it has become both a bridge facilitating smoother regional cooperation between China and Russia and a vehicle for infrastructure building across this somewhat backward region, aligning perfectly with the economic program now known as the Silk Road Economic Belt. Underpinned by a series of new development banks, such as the NDB, the new bank was proposed for launch by the SCO itself. And with China's own AIIB project, the aim is to bring into being a seamless connection between the economic and security interests of China and Russia across the northern, southern and western parts of the Asian continent. This is becoming clear on the basis of the summit's decision to begin the process of admitting India and Pakistan to full membership, with Iran possibly next on the list. The extension of the SCO's geographical reach was adumbrated with the admission of such far-flung countries as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia and Nepal as dialogue partners, and the promotion of Belarus from dialogue partner to full observer.

Also at the summit the SCO adopted a paper setting out a 10-year development strategy. This was short on specific proposals, but its reference to "strengthening the SCO's position in the global and regional strategic architecture, actively working towards building a polycentric democratic system of international relations," all within a ten-year framework, showed a clear purpose in coordinating a framework for a strategic counterweight to the West, largely driven by Russia but with Chinese backing.

In any case, the Ufa summits demonstrated that both the SCO and the BRICS are in good shape, with a strong sense of purpose and no sign of internal dissensions, though strategic differences are almost certain to emerge further down the line. And, so far, China's dedicated approach to engagement, both in the economic and security fields, with her regional partners has been fully vindicated.

The writer is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/timcollard.htm

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