The creation of AUKUS is being criticized by many as an instigation on the part of the U.S. and the U.K., with third parties in Asia as well as Europe deeply troubled by its announcement.

What is the role of the SCO in stabilization and reconstruction? The capacity of its members may be limited, but the U.S. withdrawal presents an opportunity to build credibility. Failure to act may invite skepticism in the international community about the group’s ability to participate in international affairs.

Some in India are advocate an American alliance to counter China. But such an alignment would be contrary to India’s founding principles of autonomy. It would also erode India’s standing in the BRICS and SCO groups and damage its relations with Russia.

The fallout of the AUKUS deal has the potential to alter the landscape of relationships in the Pacific region. By entering a nuclear arms deal with Australia, the U.S. and U.K. are applying pressure in the showdown between China and its Western counterparts.

China and Russia have spent over 20 years in direct partnership with many of Central Asia’s nations, and there the Taliban’s new government fits in is causing a major commotion at their cooperative table.

The new three-way alliance reflects a new U.S. orientation toward its partners as it seeks to raise barriers to China. Giving a $50 billion cold shoulder to France over nuclear submarine technology is just one example.

Spurred by their concern over Afghanistan-related developments as well as their alienation from the United States, China and Russia have intensified their joint military activities.

Though America and China’s governments see eye-to-eye on very little these days, cooperation in the scientific fields is possible and has been happening quietly for some time.

A Taliban-run Afghanistan poses some benefit to Beijing, particularly if they can maintain stability and steer clear of hostile agreements. And for better or worse, China has the opportunity to fill in gaps left by the fall of the U.S.-supported regime.

In a field where competition for science and technology, rule-making and dominance are natural, China and the United States have both conflicting a complementary interest. There is a lot of room for cooperation.