At a recent press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that countries in the Asia-Pacific do not welcome NATO. He asserted that the idea of an "Asia-Pacific NATO" is unnecessary, as the region prefers to focus on local diplomacy and internal matters.
This message came after remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue where a European leader connected the Taiwan question with the Ukraine crisis and hinted at a so‐called China threat in the South China Sea. Lin firmly rebutted these comparisons, emphasizing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and that the Taiwan issue is strictly an internal affair.
Lin also noted that the current situation in the South China Sea remains stable, with freedom of navigation and overflight respected under international law. He cautioned that, as a regional defensive organization, NATO does not have the mandate to extend its influence eastward into the Asia-Pacific region, warning that such moves could unnecessarily stir tension and disrupt regional peace.
In a world where collaboration matters more than confrontation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry is clear: let’s focus on peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. The future of the Asia-Pacific depends on working together to foster stability, growth, and a brighter, united tomorrow! 🎉
Reference(s):
Chinese Foreign Ministry: NATO not welcome in Asia-Pacific region
cgtn.com
