Spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU Speaks on a Question Concerning the China-related Content in the NATO Washington Summit Declaration

This article was initially published at the website of the Chinese Mission to EU.

Q: On 10 July, the NATO Washington Summit Declaration claims that China’s ambitions and coercive policies continue to challenge NATO’s interests, security and values. It hypes up China-Russia relations undercutting and reshaping the rules-based international order, and asserts that China has become a decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine and poses systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic security. The Declaration also argues that  developments in the Indo-Pacific directly affect Euro-Atlantic security and makes accusations against China on cyber, space, nuclear and other issues. What is China’s comment?

A: The NATO Washington Summit Declaration is filled with Cold War mentality and belligerent rhetoric. The China-related paragraphs are provocative with obvious lies and smears. We firmly reject and deplore these accusations and have lodged serious representations with NATO.

It is known to all that China is not the creator to the Ukraine crisis. China’s position on Ukraine is open and aboveboard. We aim to promote peace talks and seek political settlement. This position is endorsed and commended by the broader global community. China is a country that keeps its words. We never provide lethal weapons to either party of the conflict, and exercise strict export control on dual-use goods including civilian drones. The normal trade flows between China and Russia does not target any third party, nor should it be subject to disruption or coercion. The Ukraine crisis has prolonged for so long. But who is adding fuel to the fire? Who is fanning the flames? And who is seeking selfish gains? The answer is clear to everyone. We urge NATO to listen carefully to the international community and heed just voices. Instead of scapegoating others, NATO should reflect on itself, take real actions to defuse the situation and solve the problem.

The Asia-Pacific region is a place for peaceful development, not a wrestling ground for geopolitical competition. NATO keeps playing up the interlink between Europe’s security and the security in Asia-Pacific. What is the motive behind the scene? We urge NATO to stay within its role as a regional defensive organization in the North-Atlantic. NATO  should not become the disrupter of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific or a tool used by certain power to maintain hegemony.

China is a force for world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order. We ask NATO to correct its misperceptions on China, and abandon Cold War mentality and zero-sum approach. NATO should stop hyping up the so-called China threat and provoking confrontation and rivalry, and do more to contribute to world peace and stability.