Shanghai – 6 and regional strategies
By K.N. Pandita – 15 June 2006 summit meet of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is variously interpreted in political circles. In Washington inquisitive circles would want to know if it is the Chinese version of the now – defunct Warsaw Pact to counter NATO?
The declaration issued after the summit, reflects SCO’s unexplained fears, expectations and warnings. Russia and China, two dominant members of the organization, would like to reassure Washington that the SCO is not intended to be an anti-US bloc, and in a sense, complements her agenda of war against terrorism. However, the hyperbole is difficult to receive easy acceptance.
Indian Prime Minister was the only head of the government among the three observer members (India, Pakistan and Iran) who did not attend the summit. This seemed a very calculated move.