A Russian woman displays local costumes during an intangible culture exhibition. The art festival of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held at Tsinghua University Wednesday, local traditions and cultures from the six member states were shown. Photo: CFP

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is currently holding its Beijing summit. The Western media is full of comments about the SCO's confrontation with the US and NATO. It was even called an eastern NATO by some media. This reflects a Cold War mentality and narrow-mindedness.

Everything appears to be a challenge in the eyes of American elites who are showing a hegemonic fragility. They see the rise of China as a threat, and are highly alert to China-Russia cooperation, and are even uneasy toward regional cooperation among Central Asian countries. Perhaps the idea of old-style big powers clashing throughout history is so deeply ingrained that any concept other than that of inevitable conflict is heterodoxy to them.

The SCO was not founded for the purpose of confronting the West. Had it had this potential political goal, it would have found it impossible to develop at a time when the West dominated global security. It would have been a futile gamble.

Despite many apparent obstacles, the SCO is growing smoothly because it meets the member states' demand for development and stability. The organization seeks shared interests and shelves disagreements, resulting in all members benefiting from it.

The rapid development of the SCO attests to the fact that cooperation among countries can transcend differences in ideology, values and different geopolitical understanding. International politics is gradually getting rid of the single goal of the endless pursuit of political power.

China and Russia competing for leadership of the SCO role is a topic that is frequently raised by Western media. This is a hackneyed way of thinking. Would it benefit anybody if the SCO were to come under the sole leadership of China or Russia?

The SCO has becoming increasingly attractive for countries with significantly different geopolitical entities. It is not confined to old ways of thinking or heading toward becoming a NATO-type organization. This is where its vitality comes from.

NATO is currently in an embarrassing situation. It could cease to exist if it is unable to show its merits. But it could also be questioned if it acts blindly. However NATO can highlight its significance by painting the SCO as an adversary.

But the SCO is not interested in becoming a counterpart of NATO. SCO members are busy with pragmatic ideas. They should stick to the regional reality and improve interaction with other international organizations that have mutual members.

Economic cooperation will bring new momentum for the SCO, providing more land security assurances to China. The organization deserves more efforts from China.