SCO cooperation narrowing regional digital divide

Editor's note: The inauguration of the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization joint laboratory for digital and intelligent applications and the China-SCO computing power industry alliance in Tianjin marks a significant step forward in the SCO's digital development. People's Daily Overseas Edition spoke to Zhu Shuai, a researcher at the China Center for Information Industry Development, and Xiao Bin, a researcher at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, to discuss this development. Below are excerpts of the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

The establishment of the laboratory and the alliance addresses two critical elements of the global digital transformation: computing power and scenario applications. This is not only an upgrade in technological cooperation, but also the materialization of a new generation of regional digital infrastructure.

The SCO's digital cooperation initiatives increasingly focus on data and computing power, strengthening the foundation for regional industrial collaboration. Progress in digital infrastructure has accelerated, with cross-border fiber-optic networks, big data centers and 5G facilities extending further into Central and South Asia. This helps narrow the region's digital divide.

At the same time, thanks to the integration of industries and trade, technologies such as smart customs systems, electronic clearance services, Silk Road e-commerce platforms and digital freight train services are making cross-border trade more efficient and reducing transaction costs.

Years of security and economic cooperation have fostered a high degree of political trust within the SCO, creating favorable conditions for cross-border data flows and cybersecurity cooperation.

Also, the diversity of SCO members generates strong complementarities. China has emerged as a major player in areas such as computing power, large artificial intelligence models and embodied intelligence, while countries in Central and South Asia have rapidly growing markets, pressing digital transformation needs and demographic potential.

The SCO's digital cooperation is guided by the principles of equal consultation and respect for the data sovereignty of its member states.

Additionally, the SCO's digital agenda is increasingly aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, gradually forming a cooperation framework that combines platforms, laboratories, alliances and projects. This model promotes coordinated progress in areas ranging from data connectivity and regulatory alignment to talent development.

For regional economies, digital and intelligence cooperation can help modernize traditional sectors such as energy, agriculture and logistics, foster new drivers of growth and enhance the resilience of regional industry and supply chains.

From a broader international perspective, this cooperation reflects an open, inclusive and mutually beneficial approach to digital governance. It demonstrates that countries at different stages of development can work together through consultation and cooperation to build a secure and transparent digital ecosystem, offering valuable experience for global digital governance.

Efforts will continue to strengthen regional digital infrastructure connectivity and develop data markets. Greater emphasis will be placed on integrating digital technologies into economic and social development and advancing coordination on cross-border data governance.

Cooperation in digital talent cultivation and green digital transformation is also likely to expand, ensuring that digitalization and sustainable development progress in tandem. By focusing on practical cooperation and enhancing technological capabilities, the SCO can support economic growth, regional prosperity and long-term development across its member states.