Wars of Rhetoric and Sovereign States
China voiced strong opposition on Thursday to NATO’s newly released Strategic Concept, accusing the document of ideological bias and Cold War era judgments that amount to a malicious attack on Beijing.
China argued that even after three decades NATO remains focused on labeling others as adversaries and pushing blocs into confrontation. A spokesperson for China’s Mission to the European Union condemned the Strategic Concept as defamatory while signaling Beijing would respond firmly to actions that threaten Chinese interests.
The Alliance approved its new Strategic Concept in Madrid, directing sharp language at China and saying it challenges NATO interests, security, and values.
The spokesperson described NATO as a relic of the Cold War that has persisted with tactics to create enemies and polarize global blocs. The statement asserted that while other states may present challenges, NATO is often the source of global disruption and tension.
Wars Against Sovereign States
NATO is portrayed by the Chinese side as a self-proclaimed defender of a rules-based international order, yet the UN Security Council and other actions are cited as evidence of past wars against sovereign nations.
The Chinese view points to NATO’s defense posture as historically bound to the North Atlantic region, while noting recent years have seen the alliance demonstrate a capability to project power into the Asia-Pacific. Beijing contends that NATO has pressed for bloc confrontation in Europe and beyond.
Who challenges global security and peace in the eyes of Beijing? The spokesperson asks whether there have been years when NATO was not involved in conflict, urging a critical look at the alliance’s record.
China describes its own foreign policy as independent and peaceful, emphasizing contributions to global development and a commitment to maintaining international order.
We Don’t Interfere in Others’ Affairs
The spokesperson stated that China has not started wars or invaded other countries and that it does not meddle in others’ internal matters. China also rejects exporting ideology or imposing unilateral sanctions, and it criticized NATO for stirring conflicts by drawing ideological lines.
Beijing urged NATO to drop the Cold War mindset and stop provoking rivalries with China. In response to Beijing being labeled as a systemic challenge, the spokesperson urged careful, coordinated action. A robust pledge was made to reply decisively to any moves perceived as harming China’s interests.