China Opposes South Korea and Japan's Participation in NATO Meeting, Saying "Indo-Pacific Is Not North Atlantic"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Chinese government expressed firm opposition to any words or actions that incite division and confrontation by involving military groups, in response to the planned participation of the leaders of South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit.

According to Chinese foreign media on the 23rd, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked about the participation of Asia-Pacific countries, including South Korea, in the NATO summit during a regular briefing. He stated, "The Asia-Pacific region is not within the geographical scope of the North Atlantic," and added, "China has consistently believed that development relations between countries should contribute to world peace and stability and should not target or harm the interests of third parties."

The upcoming NATO summit, scheduled for the 29th to 30th in Madrid, Spain, is expected to be attended by the leaders of South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Their attendance follows NATO’s invitation to the four Asia-Pacific partner countries.

Regarding the agenda item at the NATO summit to discuss responses to China’s expanding influence, Spokesperson Wang pointed out, "NATO is clearly a North Atlantic military organization, but in recent years it has rushed into the Asia-Pacific region to show its power and attempts to replicate Europe’s collective confrontation path in the Asia-Pacific region." He added, "This is a very dangerous matter," and warned, "It will inevitably provoke high vigilance and firm opposition from Asia-Pacific countries and the international community."

He further urged, "We call on NATO to stop drawing ideological lines and inciting confrontation, to cease spreading false information and provocative remarks about China, and to refrain from provoking a new Cold War," warning, "NATO has already disrupted Europe; do not disturb the Asia-Pacific region and the world again."