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During the 19th Heads of State Council Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on June 14, President Xi Jinping called on members to develop the SCO into a model organization that "highlights unity and mutual trust," "underscores the sharing of weal and woe," "stresses mutual benefit and win-win results," and emphasizes "inclusiveness and mutual learning."

Xi added that the future of the SCO holds great promise. 

In the security sector, SCO members will address the threat of terrorism, extremism, and separatist forces. In terms of economy, all member states will further strengthen economic cooperation and boost domestic economic development. In the aspect of culture, more policies and projects will be introduced to the region to increase mutual understanding and trust among SCO countries.

However, Western opinions have long speculated that the SCO is an alliance against the West and NATO. Such accusations are groundless.

Western naysayers should take a look at the documents adopted by the organization, in particular, the SCO Charter. It has made clear the organization is not against any party but aimed at regional unity and development. The SCO has always been an international organization focused on uniting member nations, rather than targeting countries or groups.

Since its establishment in 2001, the SCO has never taken any action against a Western country. Instead, it has forged partnerships with other regions and organizations willing to cooperate under the UN framework. From the very beginning, it has been an inclusive organization.

Western viewpoints have held that the SCO was established primarily for China's own good, which is nothing more than another baseless argument.

The SCO grew out of the Shanghai Five group, and was created for the purpose of enhancing mutual trust, particularly in the border areas, after the Cold War. In addition, the SCO was a joint response to security threats facing the region, such as rampant terrorism, extremism, and separatist activities. The organization was established for the good of the region, and not just China's.

Besides, China has made great efforts to develop the SCO, all for the sake of regional security and stability. SCO success will stabilize the region, boost economic cooperation, and is also beneficial to China.

Another false assertion by the West is that China and Russia are competing for SCO dominance.

The SCO has a well-established operating mechanism. As such, China, Russia, and other member states are able to have their own voices heard. Major decisions are negotiated by all member states, and without a "dominating" country. Each member can put forward proposals for the development of the organization and the common interests of all member states.

A country's role in an organization depends on whether it adheres to fairness and equality and whether it considers the benefit of all other member states. If so, it will certainly receive support and help from other countries. The fact that China receives full support from other SCO members cannot be delinked from its right attitude and proper approach.

The West has plenty of prejudices against the SCO. During the 18 years since the SCO was established, it has responded to such bias with significant achievements. As the Chinese proverb says, "a straight foot is not afraid of a crooked shoe." 

As the SCO plays a vital role in safeguarding world peace, maintaining regional security and stability and promoting economic development of all member states, and poses no threat to other countries, negative remarks from the West will continue to have no effect. 

The author is a researcher at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European & Central Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn