China responds to NATO initiative in Japan — RT World News
US-led military alliance unlikely to expand reach beyond North Atlantic, Beijing says
China has urged Japan to act responsibly after Tokyo confirmed it was in talks to build a NATO liaison office on the island, saying it would not agree “Block Clash” in Asia-Pacific.
Asked about the plans at a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said NATO should stay within its own sphere of influence and not seek to increase its presence. in Asia.
“NATO claims to be a regional organization and should not expand its geopolitical reach. Asia-Pacific does not welcome bloc confrontation or military blocs,” she said adding “Given Japan’s history of aggression, it must be cautious on military and security issues and ensure that its actions are conducive to regional peace and stability.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed reports of the proposed liaison office on Wednesday, telling lawmakers talks were underway, but he was “not aware of any decision made.” He noted that Tokyo would not seek to join NATO, despite its increased cooperation with the alliance in recent years.
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It’s unclear what role the NATO office in Japan might play, but sources quoted by the Nikkei Asia media outlet said it would likely be a one-man station to facilitate consultations with allied officials. .
The Western military bloc has been somewhat open about its interests in Asia and has made efforts to improve ties with states in the region. Last summer, he invited several Indo-Pacific countries to a NATO summit for the first time, while Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia are expected to attend a major event in July. Japan also recently hosted a delegation from NATO’s Cooperative Security Division, which met with senior military officials in April to “discuss current military cooperation and opportunities to foster a stronger partnership.”
Beijing has already expressed opposition to the liaison office, urging its neighbors to maintain “high vigilance” as NATO seeks to establish itself in the region. Earlier this month, the Foreign Office warned that the alliance’s interference in local affairs and its continued eastward expansion “inevitably jeopardize regional peace and stability”, insisting that Asia should not become a “battleground for geopolitical competition.”
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