BEIJING, June 26 -- "We firmly oppose NATO using China as an excuse to 'expand eastward into the Asia-Pacific' and urge NATO to reflect on its own behaviors, change course, and contribute more to global security and stability," said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang at a regular press conference on Thursday.
According to reports, NATO held its summit in The Hague from June 24 to 25, accusing China of "providing Russia with key support during the Russia-Ukraine conflict", and expressing concerns over the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Taiwan question. And, NATO Secretary General recently stated that China is significantly strengthening its military capabilities, building the world's largest navy, and expanding its nuclear arsenal. Therefore, NATO should strengthen its partnership with "Indo-Pacific" countries to deal with the military challenges posed by China.
When being asked to share comment, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang said that China adheres to the path of peaceful development, and is firmly committed to a national defense policy that is defensive in nature and that China's military development is purely aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as maintaining world peace and stability. "China-Russia cooperation does not target at any third party, nor will it be interfered by any third party," stressed the spokesperson.
When talking about NATO, the spokesperson pointed out that as a product of the Cold War and the largest military bloc in the world, NATO stirs up troubles and provokes conflicts and wars in various regions, making itself a true war machine. Moreover, in recent years, NATO has overstretched its geographic boundary stipulated by its own Treaty, and ill-expanded its power and authority, arousing high vigilance among regional countries.
"We firmly oppose NATO using China as an excuse to 'expand eastward into the Asia-Pacific' and urge NATO to reflect on its own behaviors, change course, and contribute more to global security and stability," stressed the spokesperson at the end of his comment.