NATO’s outgoing chief: China poses challenge to West

In a significant address underscoring NATO's evolving stance on China, outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasised that while NATO does not categorise China as an adversary, it perceives Beijing as a formidable challenge to its values, interests, and security.

Stoltenberg's remarks, delivered amid escalating global tensions, highlighted NATO's strategic concerns regarding China's geopolitical influence and actions, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Stoltenberg, speaking from NATO headquarters, expressed apprehension over China's stance on Taiwan and its impact on neighbouring countries. He raised suspicions of China providing military assistance to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, characterising Beijing's involvement as exacerbating the largest European war since World War II.

The NATO chief's comments come as the alliance navigates a complex global landscape, balancing traditional security threats with emerging challenges posed by China's assertive foreign policy and military expansion. Stoltenberg stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance and unity among NATO member states in response to these evolving dynamics.

The evolving NATO stance on China underscores a shift in global security paradigms, where economic and strategic competition between major powers increasingly shapes geopolitical discourse. As NATO continues to assess and adapt to these challenges, Stoltenberg reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to safeguarding collective security and upholding international norms in the face of complex global challenges.