Politics China criticizes NATO's behaviour
Before the start of its summit meeting in Washington, China criticized NATO for its actions in the Asia-Pacific region and called on the defence alliance to rethink.
09.07.2024, 11:19
SDA
Beijing opposes Nato's slander and rejects its use of China as an excuse to penetrate the Asia-Pacific region and cause tensions there, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing. The top-level meeting in the US capital is to discuss further dealings with China and increased cooperation between NATO and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Lin accused NATO of continually extending its power beyond its borders and provoking confrontations. China, on the other hand, is a builder of world peace and contributes to global development. Beijing is calling on NATO to correct its false image of China and abandon its Cold War mindset, said Lin.
Previous criticism from Stoltenberg
In Washington, the heads of state and government of the 32 member states also want to discuss the expansion of deterrence and defense as well as further support for Ukraine. China is neutral in the conflict, but is backing Russia as its most important ally.
In June, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg accused China of trying to give the impression to the outside world that it was holding back in the conflict in order to avoid sanctions and keep trade flowing. "But the reality is that China is fueling the biggest armed conflict in Europe since the Second World War," he said. At the same time, Beijing wants to maintain good relations with the West, he said. "Well, Beijing can't have it both ways," he said. At some point, the allies would have to demand costs if China did not change its course.
