China's ambitions and repression threaten NATO's security

Madrid / Beijing: China’s ambitions and repressive policies threaten the security and interests of the leading countries in NATO, the Strategic Concept document, considered NATO’s ‘blueprint’, has warned. This is the first time that NATO has explicitly mentioned China’s threat in its strategic framework. There are indications that NATO will focus on Asia to stop China’s activities in the future. China has criticised NATO’s warning as meaningless.

Moreover, China, which has emerged as the second-largest economy in the world over the last decade, is vying to get the topmost position in the trade, technology and defence sectors. The Communist Party of China is ambitious to be at par with the United States in all spheres at the international level and then overtake the United States and become a superpower. China is using its economic and military might to impose favourable policies and value systems on other countries. China’s activities have come to the fore in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and have drawn strong reactions from the international community.

China is siding with Russia in its conflict against Ukraine and is cooperating with Russia on many fronts. Therefore, there is widespread displeasure among the NATO member countries assisting Ukraine. This background is believed to be the reason behind the inclusion of China’s threat in NATO’s priorities. Earlier in 2020, a report released by NATO pointed to China’s growing influence. However, it did not claim that China was a direct threat to NATO’s security. But now that NATO has become aggressive against Russia over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it has made it clear to the world that it considers China a threat along with Russia.

Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry reacted to the warning given by NATO. ‘NATO’s plan distorts the facts and undermines China’s foreign policy. This attempt by NATO is completely futile,’ Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.