UNDERSTANDING CHINA'S POLICY AND INTENTIONS TOWARDS THE SCO.

The article offers an analysis of China's objectives for Central Asia and the Far East through its actions in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The SCO is an international organization with Russia as another major participant. The exclusion of Japan in the SCO is seen as a way to contained Japan's influence. The importance of Central Asia as an energy source for China, the interest in Xinjiang, the promotion of Renminbi Yuan and the relationship with Russia are explored.