Beijing Hits Back at NATO’s Accusation, Opposes Expansion in Asia-Pacific Region
BEIJING – In response to NATO’s accusation that China challenges the group’s interests and security, Beijing has retaliated and opposed any attempt by the military alliance to expand its footprint into the Asia-Pacific region.
During a two-day summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, NATO issued a strongly worded communique on Tuesday stating that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) challenges its interests, security, and values with its “ambitions and coercive policies.”
The communique highlighted that China employs political, economic, and military tools to increase its global footprint and project power, while remaining opaque about its strategy, intentions, and military build-up. It also accused China of malicious hybrid and cyber operations, confrontational rhetoric, and disseminating disinformation to harm alliance security.
In response, the Chinese mission to Europe issued a statement, rejecting and opposing the China-related content of the communique. It stated that the content disregards basic facts, distorts China’s position and policies, and deliberately discredits China.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addressed reporters at the summit, stating that while China is not considered a NATO adversary, it is increasingly challenging the rules-based international order with its coercive behavior. He cited China’s refusal to condemn Russia’s war against Ukraine, threats towards Taiwan, and substantial military build-up as examples of such behavior.
However, the NATO communique made no mention of Taiwan, leading to speculation about the alliance’s stance on the matter.
Attendance at the summit included several Asia-Pacific leaders. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, attending for the second time, aimed to remind the military alliance to pay attention to risks in East Asia. Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sought deeper international security cooperation amid rising threats from North Korea and tension over China.
In May, Kishida stated that Japan had no plans to become a NATO member, even though NATO was planning to open a Tokyo office, its first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region.
China has firmly opposed NATO’s “eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region” and warned that any action threatening Beijing’s rights would be met with a resolute response, according to the Chinese mission’s statement.
In the communique, NATO also accused China of seeking to control key technological and industrial sectors, critical infrastructure, and strategic materials and supply chains. It further stated that Beijing uses its economic leverage to create strategic dependencies and enhance its influence.
The situation between NATO and China remains tense, with both sides standing firm in their positions. The impact of this escalating tensions between Beijing and the military alliance may have far-reaching consequences for regional security and geopolitics.
(Reporting by Liz Lee and Ryan Woo; Editing by Tom Hogue and Michael Perry)