BEIJING: Beijing lashed back at Nato’s accusation that China challenges the bloc’s interests and security, and opposed any attempt by the military alliance to expand its footprint into the Asia-Pacific region. In a strongly worded communique, Nato said the People’s Republic of China challenged its interests, security and values with its “ambitions and coercive policies”. The Chinese mission to the European said in a statement on Tuesday the China-related content of the communique disregarded basic facts, distorted China’s position and policies, and deliberately discredited China. “We firmly oppose and reject this,” it said. Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg said that while China was not a Nato “adversary”, it was challenging the rules-based international order with its “coercive behaviour”.
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, joining the summit for a second time, reminded Nato e to pay heed to East Asia risks. In May, Kishida said Nato was planning a Tokyo office, its first in Asia. The Chinese mission said China opposed Nato’s “eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region” and warned any action threatening Beijing’s rights would be met with a resolute response.
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, joining the summit for a second time, reminded Nato e to pay heed to East Asia risks. In May, Kishida said Nato was planning a Tokyo office, its first in Asia. The Chinese mission said China opposed Nato’s “eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region” and warned any action threatening Beijing’s rights would be met with a resolute response.