I am not sure why is it that some do not see the real picture. CSTO is an "armed wing" of SCO. The more-or-less same states are in both, with China holding the "political wing" up with SCO, while Russia holding the "armed wing" with CSTO. I must admit that China and Russia are doing a great job at dissembling, as most people do not yet see them playing games, often good-cop, bad-cop variety. Uzbekistan that is in SCO and an important link in Central Asian pipeline transit to China, is best left outside of the "military wing". This is by design, even though the line coming from Moscow is the presumed Uzbekistan's concern over Russia's power. How naive. Those two are together in sessions of SCO mapping their joint future, energy-wise and security-wise. Let us not forget that it was Putin who brought to Bucharest NATO meeting with him the President of Uzbekistan. These are all roles and responsibilities, with the objective of better integration of Asian space through energy, commerce and political/military infrastructure. All is done slowly, and appear to move slowly. This is perfect for not demanding too attention.