Beijing has expressed strong disapproval of a NATO communique that characterizes China as a significant challenge to the alliance’s interests and security. The statement, issued during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, accuses the People’s Republic of China (PRC) of challenging NATO’s values, security, and interests through its ambitions and coercive policies.
The communique highlights China’s use of political, economic, and military tools to expand its global influence and project power, while remaining opaque about its strategy and military build-up. NATO leaders also criticize China for engaging in malicious hybrid and cyber operations, confrontational rhetoric, and disinformation campaigns that target allies and undermine Alliance security.
Additionally, the declaration points out the deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia and their attempts to undermine the rules-based international order. NATO leaders call on China to play a constructive role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
In response, the Chinese mission to the European Union issued a statement condemning NATO’s comments, accusing the alliance of distorting China’s position and deliberately trying to discredit the country. The Chinese mission firmly opposes and rejects the communique.
The NATO summit, attended by leaders from various countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, has been marked by rising tensions in the region, particularly concerning China and North Korea. China’s state media, including the Global Times, criticized NATO’s engagement with democracies in the region and described the alliance as an instrument of the United States that brings war wherever it goes.
The NATO declaration follows the alliance’s Strategic Concept released last year, which acknowledged the risks posed by China’s ambitions and policies. The alliance recognizes the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in relation to Euro-Atlantic security and aims to address the evolving challenges posed by China.
