Arrival in Brussels, Belgium for G7 Summit... Strengthening Public Joint Front Expected
NATO Secretary General: "Our Security Affected... Need to Develop China-Related Policies"
U.S. President Joe Biden (right) shakes hands with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo upon his arrival in Brussels, Belgium, on the 13th (local time). [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] One day before the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit, the collective security system of the United States and Europe, U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Brussels, Belgium, the host city, on the 13th (local time) to attend the meeting.
Following the G7 summit, which declared the establishment of a joint front against China, the upcoming summit is also expected to see the United States and its European allies reaffirming their stance on containing China.
In particular, NATO, which has set Russia containment as its main goal since its establishment, is expected to set the China issue as a major agenda for the first time, marking a groundbreaking change in the NATO system and reflecting the assessment that China's rise has become a new threat to Western countries.
At this summit, an agreement is expected on the NATO reform plan 'NATO 2030,' which emphasizes alliance unity to build a front against China. The new strategic plan is likely to designate China's military rise as a major challenge.
On the day, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with Canadian public broadcaster CBC, "China is the second-largest spender on defense worldwide and is investing heavily in new military supplies," adding, "Our security is being affected."
He further mentioned the harsh crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and the oppression of the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang, emphasizing, "This is why it is important for NATO to develop and strengthen policies related to China."
On the 11th, Secretary-General Stoltenberg pointed out, "The current NATO strategic plan has not changed at all in the past decade. There is no mention of China in this plan," forecasting that China will be the most important agenda item at this meeting.
Previously, NATO had attempted to revise its strategic plan to adapt to the changing international situation, but these attempts were frequently thwarted due to factors such as deteriorating relations with NATO allies during the Trump administration.
Secretary-General Stoltenberg said, "Important decisions will be made at this summit to strengthen collective defense," adding, "It will be a very important moment for our alliance and collective security."
During former President Donald Trump's administration, relations between the United States and European allies deteriorated due to pressure to increase defense spending. European countries hope this summit will be an opportunity to restore the Atlantic alliance and strengthen cooperation in response to China's rise.
Additionally, with the NATO summit scheduled ahead of the U.S.-Russia summit on the 16th, it is expected that President Biden will seek to secure NATO allies' support for containing Russia.
Dan Hamilton, a European expert at the Woodrow Wilson Center, said, "President Biden is expected to work to secure friendly forces ahead of the summit with Russia."
Meanwhile, the summit is also expected to address the security impacts of climate change, including reducing carbon emissions in the military sector.
Major foreign media reported that NATO leaders are expected to agree on a climate action plan to make the military 'carbon neutral' by 2050 and to adapt to the threats of global warming at this summit.
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