Beijing – A protocol event focused on the China-SCO University Cooperation Center took place in Beijing on March 2, 2026, signaling a renewed commitment to educational collaboration within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Organized jointly by the Department of Education of Shaanxi Province and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, the meeting aimed to deepen practical cooperation in the field of education and foster trust and dialogue among SCO member states. This initiative underscores China’s growing role in shaping regional educational partnerships and its broader strategy for engagement with the SCO.
The event drew high-level participation, including Xu Qingsheng, Deputy Minister of Education of China; Wu Wengan, Deputy Governor of the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province; Mao Wenchun, Deputy Director of the Department of European and Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China; and Zhang Liqiun, President of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Representatives from diplomatic missions of SCO member states, along with other officials, academics, and experts, also attended. The focus on higher education cooperation within the SCO reflects a broader trend of increasing academic exchange and collaboration between China and its regional partners.
Strengthening Ties Through Education
During the meeting, Soheil Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, highlighted the significant contribution of Xi’an Jiaotong University to the development of inter-university cooperation and the strengthening of academic ties between SCO countries. He noted the university’s rich history and solid academic foundation, emphasizing its role in fostering an environment of trust, partnership, and professional exchange. Xi’an Jiaotong University, a leading educational institution in China, has been actively involved in promoting academic collaboration with SCO member states, offering opportunities for student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and collaborative curriculum development. This commitment aligns with China’s broader efforts to enhance its soft power and influence within the region through educational initiatives.
The SCO, founded in 2001, is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization comprised of China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023. The organization’s official website details its objectives, which include promoting mutual trust and good neighborliness among member states, facilitating economic cooperation, and addressing regional security challenges. Educational cooperation is increasingly recognized as a vital component of these broader goals, contributing to the development of human capital and fostering a shared understanding among SCO member states.
Shaanxi Province’s Role in SCO Initiatives
Shaanxi Province, located in Northwest China, has emerged as a key hub for SCO-related activities. In September 2025, the province hosted a series of trade and economic exchange events for SCO countries, as reported by Russian.News.Cn. These events covered areas such as trade, tourism, cross-border services, and logistics, bringing together approximately 800 participants from China and abroad. In July 2025, the city of Xi’an hosted the 2nd SCO Television Festival, attracting representatives from over 20 SCO member states, observer countries, and dialogue partners. China.org.cn reported that a joint declaration of the 2025 SCO Television Festival was released during the event.
The province’s proactive engagement with the SCO reflects China’s broader strategy of leveraging regional partnerships to promote economic development and enhance its geopolitical influence. Shaanxi Province’s location along the Silk Road Economic Belt, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, positions it as a crucial gateway for trade and cultural exchange between China and Central Asia. The province’s commitment to hosting SCO-related events demonstrates its willingness to play a leading role in fostering regional cooperation and integration.
Implications for Regional Cooperation
The meeting in Beijing and the ongoing initiatives in Shaanxi Province signal a deepening of educational and cultural ties within the SCO framework. This collaboration is expected to facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges, promote mutual understanding, and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the region. The emphasis on higher education cooperation aligns with China’s broader efforts to enhance its soft power and promote its vision of a shared future for humanity.
Even as the SCO has been viewed by some as a counterweight to Western influence, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions involving Russia and the United States, as noted by Korrespondent.net, the organization’s focus on economic cooperation and regional security suggests a more nuanced approach to international relations. The SCO provides a platform for member states to address shared concerns and pursue common interests, fostering a sense of regional ownership and responsibility.
Looking ahead, the China-SCO University Cooperation Center is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding educational collaboration within the SCO framework. Further details regarding specific projects and initiatives will likely be announced in the coming months. The next key event to watch will be the upcoming SCO summit, where further discussions on regional cooperation and development are anticipated.
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