Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the trans-Atlantic security alliance, have warned that China poses “systemic challenges” to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to alliance security.
The 30-member strong alliance issued a communique after a summit of NATO leaders in Brussels on Monday which cited disinformation and the rapid expansion of Beijing’s nuclear arsenal as part of the threat. NATO statement for the first time has used such a strong statement showing the deteriorating relations between the west and Beijing and a sign to confront Beijing’s military ambitions.
The communiqué called on China to uphold its international commitments and to act responsibly in the international system, including in the space, cyber and maritime domains, in keeping with its role as a major power.” The communiqué pointed to China’s “coercive policies”, its accumulation of nuclear warheads and sophisticated delivery systems. NATO allies also expressed their concern on the involvement of Chinese companies in critical infrastructure in Europe, such as in ports and via telecommunications company Huawei. On Tuesday,
The Chinese Mission to the European Union said NATO is slandering China and misjudging the international situation and its own role. It represents a continuation of the Cold War mentality and bloc politics. Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing said that China will not pose a systemic challenge to anyone, but it will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interest.
The communiqué followed a stronger line from the weekend’s G7 meeting when the group of democracies criticized China over human rights, trade, and a lack of transparency regarding the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. NATO leaders also pushed through measures to strengthen the response to attacks on satellites and to build capabilities in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Members of the alliance have become increasingly preoccupied with potential military uses of Artificial Intelligence and with the activities of China in space.
China presents ‘systemic challenges’ says NATO, China terms it as Cold War mentality
ByVishal Sharma
Jun 17, 2021
By Vishal Sharma
Vishal Sharma is an experienced Indian journalist, cyber security consultant, social activist, and poet writing under the pen name Surur Akbarabadi. With over two decades in journalism, he has worked across print, digital, and TV media, including notable roles at The Indian Express, The Pioneer, Indo-American Times, and Business Standard. He is currently the editor of Agra24.in, a bilingual news portal focused on Agra, which he co-founded to provide in-depth analysis and balanced reporting. Based in Agra and Lucknow, Vishal balances his professional commitments with family life. Academically, he has studied Life Sciences, Law, and Business Management, and has pursued studies in journalism and mass communication. His journalism covers current affairs, business, and social issues, with a focus on factual reporting and avoiding controversial topics that could harm social harmony. As a poet inspired by Urdu legends like Ghalib and Nazir Akbarabadi, Vishal’s work combines personal insight with societal critique. He actively promotes communal harmony through his role as Vice-Chairman of Hindustani Biradari, an organization founded to emphasize unity beyond religion and caste. He is also Secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber and was also a member of Agra’s Heritage and History Conservation Committee, working to preserve the city’s cultural heritage. Professionally, Vishal brings his cyber security expertise to his media work, enhancing the technical and editorial quality of his news platforms. His interests include photography and travel, particularly exploring India’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage sites like Rajasthan, especially Sariska. His contributions reflect a steady commitment to journalism, cultural preservation, and social cohesion without excessive embellishment.