NATO and Four Indo-Pacific Countries Cooperate... China Says "Provoking Confrontation"

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was criticized by China on the 8th for "crossing defense boundaries and provoking confrontation" in relation to strengthening cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines conducted joint naval and air force exercises in the South China Sea on April 7 (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

At a regular briefing that day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Zhen responded to a question about China's stance on reports that Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand would sign a joint document to enhance cooperation with NATO in the Asia-Pacific region at the NATO summit in Washington DC, USA.

He said, "NATO is a product of the Cold War and the world's largest military alliance," adding, "While claiming to be a regional and defensive organization, on the other hand, it constantly crosses boundaries, expands its authority, and provokes confrontation beyond its defense zone." He further pointed out, "It reveals a deeply rooted Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice," and "is the source of risks threatening world peace and stability."

Spokesperson Lin added, "NATO must abide by its status as a regional and defensive organization and stop provoking tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and spreading Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation," emphasizing, "It should not disturb Europe, nor should it try to disturb the Asia-Pacific region."

NATO will hold its annual summit from the 9th to the 11th (local time) in Washington DC, USA, with participation from 32 member countries. Four Asia-Pacific partner countries, including South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, have been invited for the third consecutive year.