In a press conference on Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, accused some NATO officials of “defaming” the Chinese mainland’s normal military development. According to Guo, such rhetoric is being used to justify NATO’s substantial military spending and its push into the Asia-Pacific region.
While NATO maintains it is a regional defence alliance, Guo said the bloc has repeatedly invoked the security link between Europe and Asia to extend its reach far beyond its traditional borders. “The international community sees this clearly, and Asia-Pacific nations are highly vigilant,” he added.
On the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Guo also pushed back against NATO’s claims. He stressed that the Chinese mainland has consistently advocated for peace talks, actively promoted a political resolution to the crisis, and has not supplied weapons to any party in the conflict. “We strictly control the export of dual-use items,” Guo said.
This exchange highlights rising tensions over global defence spending and regional security. As young global citizens track geopolitical shifts, the debate over NATO’s role in the Asia-Pacific could reshape how we think about collective defence and diplomatic engagement.
Reference(s):
MOFA: NATO officials defaming China to justify expansion and overreach
cgtn.com
