Graphics: SCO at 25, advancing security, development and connectivity

June 15, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The infographic below highlights key figures and milestones in the SCO's development over the past quarter century.

Founded in 2001 with six member states, the SCO has grown into an international organization of 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners. Together, SCO member states represent around 42% of the world's population and account for about one-quarter of global GDP.

Over the past 25 years, cooperation within the SCO has expanded beyond security to include trade, investment, connectivity, public health and people-to-people exchanges. Trade between China and other SCO member states has grown more than 40-fold since 2001, reaching $512.4 billion in 2024.

Investment cooperation has expanded into areas such as the digital economy and green development, while transport links have been strengthened through the China-Europe Railway Express, which had completed more than 110,000 trips by June 2025.