On Thursday, China expressed strong disapproval of NATO's actions, asserting that the alliance is leveraging Beijing as a pretext to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific. During a press conference, Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang responded to remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who had previously accused China of facilitating Russia amid the Ukraine crisis and raised concerns regarding China's military expansion.
Zhang rejected Rutte's allegations, emphasizing that China is dedicated to peaceful growth and that its defense policies are inherently defensive. He clarified that China's military advancements are solely focused on protecting national sovereignty and development interests, asserting that cooperation with Russia is not directed against any third parties.
Furthermore, Zhang took aim at NATO's historical role in inciting international conflicts, criticizing the alliance as a remnant of the Cold War and denouncing it as the largest military bloc responsible for initiating wars. His comments followed Rutte's insistence on NATO's partnerships in the Asia-Pacific, where countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand are reportedly distressed over China's military escalations.
However, leaders from those nations, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, opted out of attending the NATO summit. Zhang voiced concern that NATO has overstepped its original geographic boundaries by trying to extend its influence toward the Asia-Pacific, urging the alliance to reconsider its approach and focus on fostering global security and stability rather than provoking tensions.
5 Comments
Donatello
China's playing victim while simultaneously trying to reshape the world order in their favor. NATO's a response to that, not the cause.
Bermudez
NATO's involvement in the Asia-Pacific might be a bit much, but China's escalating aggression is what's driving it. They need to take a good look at themselves.
Muchacho
Supporting an autocratic regime like Russia, especially during a time of aggression, is not about peaceful growth! It's about power and influence!
dedus mopedus
If China wants others to stay out of their backyard, maybe they should stay out of everyone else's backyard first.
ytkonos
NATO is a relic of the Cold War. It exists to contain Russia and now they want to do the same with China? That's not promoting global security.