Armenia is even preparing to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization! On July 3, Armenia decided to apply for membership in the SCO, because it认同 the basic principles of the SCO, namely respect for territorial integrity, non-use of force, and inviolability of borders. In July 2024, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka applied to become observer states of the SCO, which is one of the preliminary steps for full participation in the SCO!

Armenia has made a double insurance, first applying to join the European Union, second applying to join the SCO. Both are carried out simultaneously, and joining any organization is beneficial for Armenia. Now, Armenia is going to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization. It was a military organization of the former Soviet republics, not an organization like NATO, but an internal organization of the former Soviet republics.

However, due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the CSTO now has little effect. Because Ukraine used to be part of the CSTO as well, and the war is raging, so the CSTO has become a mere formality. It's just a matter of time for Armenia to withdraw from the CSTO. Other countries, such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, had already left the CSTO in 1999.

Azerbaijan has started to de-Russify, and Georgia is another story; their relationship hasn't been good since 2008. After losing the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Armenia's relations with Russia have gradually deteriorated. So, Armenia wants to join the SCO or the EU, whichever one it can.

It's unlikely that Armenia can join the EU, as it is too far from Europe. Joining the SCO is possible, but Russia may not agree to Armenia's joining the SCO, so it can only be an observer state for now. Whether it can eventually join is unknown. This country has repeatedly mentioned in the past that it failed in its war with Azerbaijan and ceded the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Now, it can only live on its own territory, with a poor geographical situation, surrounded by enemies, and it's hard to find a real friend.

Armenia joining the SCO might ensure its internal stability and at least withstand some peaceful situation, so Armenia's cooperation is no problem.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836701470517248/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.