Beijing Accuses NATO of Stirring Tensions, Defends Military Modernization as Legitimate
Beijing — China has issued a stern rebuke of NATO’s growing attention to Asia, accusing the alliance of exaggerating Beijing’s military development to justify increased global militarization. The criticism follows remarks by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who voiced “serious concern” over China’s military buildup during a recent security forum in Brussels.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun pushed back sharply against Rutte’s statements, calling them “irresponsible” and “politically motivated.” He accused NATO of attempting to insert itself into the Asia-Pacific region under the pretext of security cooperation.
“Certain NATO officials are using China’s normal national defense development as an excuse to expand their influence eastward,” Guo said. “This Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation are not conducive to peace, stability, or mutual trust in the Asia-Pacific.”
Defense Within Sovereign Rights, Says China
Guo emphasized that China’s military posture is entirely defensive in nature and consistent with its sovereign rights. He warned that foreign attempts to paint China as a global threat were both misleading and dangerous.
“China’s defense policy is transparent, restrained, and entirely within our rights as a sovereign state. Hyping up the so-called ‘China threat’ will only erode mutual trust and increase the risk of miscalculation,” Guo added.
Beijing has long expressed concern over NATO’s outreach to U.S. allies in East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia. In recent years, NATO has held more joint drills and strategic dialogues in the Indo-Pacific region, raising alarms in Beijing about Western encirclement.
China Denies Arms Transfers in Ukraine Conflict
Addressing speculation that China has been supplying weapons to Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war, Guo categorically denied the claims, reiterating that China “has not and will not provide weapons to any party involved in the conflict.”
This comes amid increasing pressure from Western nations, including the U.S. and EU, urging China to remain neutral and refrain from supporting Russia’s war efforts directly or indirectly.
Guo warned that repeated allegations against China, especially without evidence, only deepen divisions and obstruct diplomatic efforts to bring about peace.
NATO’s Global Role Questioned
Analysts say China’s latest remarks reflect growing resistance to NATO’s expanding role outside of its traditional Euro-Atlantic sphere. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO has intensified its rhetoric on China, labeling it a “systemic challenge” in its 2023 Strategic Concept a move that Beijing continues to oppose.
“NATO should focus on its original mandate and not interfere in Asia-Pacific affairs,” Guo said. “China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and national security, regardless of foreign pressure or distortion.”
Regional Implications
China’s response comes amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and broader U.S.-China relations. The war of words with NATO adds yet another layer to the geopolitical friction simmering across multiple regions.
As global alliances shift and military posturing intensifies, Beijing has increasingly positioned itself as a critic of Western-led coalitions, framing them as relics of Cold War-era thinking.
