China, Russia: The SCO's Possible Evolution

The 12th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) leadership summit will take place June 6-7 in Beijing. The summit's agenda includes two proposals that could change the SCO's focus in coming years: one would give Afghanistan observer status in the organization, and one would have the SCO institutionalize an economic mandate. Each of the organization's members seem willing to welcome Afghanistan, but the economic proposal would highlight an enduring competition between Moscow and Beijing in Central Asia.