Obstacles and Opportunities of Russian-Chinese Cooperation within the SCO

In the study the discrepancies in the strategic interests of China and Russia in the SCO are researched. The perspectives of the two countries can not be directly common, especially when it comes to China and Russia, as both of them have various geopolitical interests and understanding of international and regional affairs. These differences are explained with the historical, geographic and cultural factors, diverse levels of political and economic development. Taking into account the fact that the countries hold key positions in the evolution of the organisation it becomes obvious that the differences and contradictions between the two countries directly affect the normal functioning and future growth of the institute, which entails a reduction in strength of the SCO as a center of attraction. In this context, in-depth study and analysis of distinctions in strategic concerns of Russia and China in the alliance has the crucial practical importance.