JAPAN’S PROSPECTS IN THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION

Abstract

At the present stage, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is arousing great interest in the international community. The leading actors in international relations, such as the U.S., Japan, and the European countries, are keeping a careful watch over the organization’s development. The interest of these countries is mainly related to the lack of information about the SCO’s actual activity and the organization’s real essence. The leaders of the SCO member states constantly assure everyone that the organization has peaceful intentions and is not going to start a confrontation with the West. Nevertheless, some steps and decisions taken by the member states within the SCO arouse suspicion and distrust among the leading global powers. Thus, any significant event organized within the framework of the organization is often regarded as a challenge to the West and to the United States in particular.
Japan, as one of the leading world powers and Washington’s close partner on the international arena, is showing interest in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as well. An increasing number of Japanese experts and researchers have begun reflecting on SCO development issues. In particular, they want to form a clear idea of the organization and understand the cooperation possibilities that can be pursued with the SCO. Ja-pan’s current interests in Central Asia can explain the attention Japanese scientists and some politicians are paying to the SCO. It is a well-known fact that Japan has recently become more active in its cooperation with the Central Asian countries in the sphere of atomic energy. Another important factor which arouses Japan’s interest in the SCO is Russia’s and China’s participation in this organization. In particular, Moscow and China can create obstacles for Japanese policy in Central Asia and even make use of the SCO’s mechanisms to that end.