The role played by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Russia-Ukraine war has raised alarm and dissatisfaction within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg accused the CCP of inciting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Stoltenberg, during a visit to Ottawa, Canada last month, stated that the CCP’s support for Russia and Russia’s military alliance with North Korea indicates that authoritarian regimes are “mutually supporting each other in unprecedented ways,” highlighting the increasing importance of cooperation between NATO and allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
In an interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun on June 27, Stoltenberg mentioned that at the NATO summit scheduled for July 9 in Washington, the alliance will focus on enhancing cooperation agreements with Asian partners – Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan – in areas such as military, technological development, and cybersecurity.
He criticized the CCP for inciting the largest war in Europe since World War II, the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Stoltenberg pointed out that Russia imports advanced technology and electronic equipment from China, receiving support in producing drones and missiles.
Stressing the need for NATO to deepen partnerships and cooperation with the four Asian countries, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of increasing pressure on the CCP to stabilize regional security. He added that regarding developments in the Taiwan Strait, NATO will maintain its stance alongside its North American and European allies.
In January last year, Stoltenberg discussed the idea of establishing a NATO liaison office in Tokyo for the first time with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit. In mid-April, NATO distributed draft proposals to its 31 member countries. Stoltenberg stated that no decision on this matter would be made at the upcoming summit to avoid provoking Beijing.
Stoltenberg emphasized, “NATO does not see China as an adversary, but it poses challenges to our values, interests, and security. China threatens Taiwan, its neighbors, and the South China Sea.”
In a May interview with the German Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Stoltenberg accused the CCP of exacerbating the Russia-Ukraine conflict by supporting Russia, prolonging the war.
Despite the tense situation, Stoltenberg made it clear that NATO does not have plans to deploy troops to Ukraine or to expand the alliance’s air defense umbrella to Ukraine. He reiterated that “NATO will not be drawn into the conflict.”
Aged 65, Stoltenberg has served as Norway’s Prime Minister twice. He assumed office as NATO Secretary-General in October 2014. Originally planning to retire in 2022, his term was extended due to the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.