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Beijing threatens its neighbors and bullies other countries - NATO Secretary General

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General

10 July 2023 11:29 (UTC +04:00)

"So far, Beijing has not condemned Moscow’s aggression, and instead is increasing its economic, diplomatic, and military cooperation with Russia," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in his article headlined ”A Stronger NATO for a More Dangerous World” published by Foreign Affairs Magazine, APA reports.

"If Putin wins in Ukraine, it would be a tragedy for Ukrainians and dangerous for the world at large. It would send a message to other authoritarian regimes that they can achieve their objectives through force. China, in particular, is watching to see the price Russia pays, or the reward it receives, for its aggression. It is learning from Moscow’s military failures and the response of the international community. When I visited Japan and South Korea at the start of this year, their leaders were clearly concerned that what is happening in Europe today could happen in Asia tomorrow".

According to Stoltenberg, NATO does not see China as an adversary: "We must continue to engage with Beijing to tackle today’s global challenges, including nuclear proliferation and climate change. At the same time, China should use its considerable influence over Russia to end its illegal war in Ukraine. So far, however, Beijing has not condemned Moscow’s aggression, and instead is increasing its economic, diplomatic, and military cooperation with Russia. The Chinese government’s increasingly coercive behavior abroad and repressive policies at home challenge NATO’s security, values, and interests. Beijing is threatening its neighbors and bullying other countries. It is trying to take control of critical supply chains and infrastructure in NATO states. We must be clear-eyed about these challenges and not trade security interests for economic gains," he noted.