China Warns NATO to Stay Out of Asia-Pacific Region
China has sent a clear message to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): the Asia-Pacific region doesn’t welcome your presence.
At a recent press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to comments made by a European leader at the Shangri-La Dialogue. The leader had linked the Taiwan question with the Ukraine crisis and suggested that NATO has grounds to be involved in the Asia-Pacific.
“Countries in the Asia-Pacific do not welcome NATO in the region, and the region certainly does not need an Asia-Pacific NATO,” Lin stated firmly.
Taiwan Question Is China’s Internal Affair
Lin emphasized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Taiwan question falls entirely under China’s internal affairs.
He pointed out that comparing the Taiwan question to the Ukraine crisis is misleading. “We firmly oppose any remarks or actions that seek to mischaracterize or distort the nature of the Taiwan question,” he said, urging relevant parties to adhere to the one-China principle and respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
South China Sea Stability
Addressing concerns about the South China Sea, Lin noted that the current situation is generally stable. “There are no problems with the freedom of navigation and overflight that countries enjoy in accordance with the law,” he said.
He called on nations outside the region to respect the efforts of countries within the region to maintain peace and stability. “Instead of instigating tension and creating disputes, they should contribute positively,” Lin added.
NATO’s Eastward Expansion Unwelcome
Lin stressed that as a regional defensive organization, NATO has no right to extend beyond its geographical scope and mandate. “China firmly opposes NATO’s attempts to advance eastward into the Asia-Pacific, stir up tension, and create confrontation in the region,” he stated.
He highlighted that Asia is the common home of China and other Asian countries, and its rapid growth has made it a leader in global growth and peaceful development.
Commitment to Peaceful Development
“China remains committed to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in its neighborhood diplomacy,” Lin said. He assured that China opposes bloc confrontation and never seeks a so-called sphere of influence.
He urged relevant parties not to sow discord between countries in the Asia-Pacific based on a Cold War mentality. “What they should do is contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region,” the spokesperson concluded.
