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 a renowned Indian journalist, cyber security expert, social activist, and poet, better known in literary circles as Surur Akbarabadi. Journalism is his first love, through which he has captured the pulse of society and pursued an unwavering commitment to truth. He divides his time between Agra—his ancestral home, famed for the Taj Mahal and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb—and Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, where he lives as a devoted husband and doting father. His personal life, filled with love and care for his family, anchors his relentless efforts for societal good. Vishal’s academic path reflects his versatility: a B.Sc. degree sharpened his scientific rigor, while an LL.B. equipped him with a legal perspective. His journalistic career is illustrious, having worked with prominent publications such as The Indian Express, The Pioneer, Indo-American Times, and Business Standard, where he mastered the art of weaving facts into compelling narratives. As Managing Editor of Indian Talent Magazine, he nurtured emerging voices, and today, he runs Agra24.in, a news portal that keeps Agra’s heartbeat alive online, while also serving on the editorial boards of several other digital platforms, amplifying stories that matter. Poetry is Vishal’s close second love, expressed under his pseudonym Surur Akbarabadi—a blend of "joy" and a tribute to Agra’s rich legacy. Inspired by Urdu giants like Ghalib, Faiz, and Nazir Akbarabadi, his verses, such as "विरासत-ए-ज़फ़र का ये अंजाम देखिए" and "खामोशियों का शोर," fuse personal reflection with societal critique, offering both solace and commentary. His prose is equally powerful, spanning environmental concerns, political satire, and calls for unity, resonating widely on platforms like X. Vishal’s dedication to society shines through his diverse roles. As Vice-Chairman of Hindustani Biradari, he champions communal harmony, countering divisive narratives with appeals for peace. As Secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber, he strengthens the city’s tourism ecosystem, ensuring its heritage—tangible and intangible—thrives. His work on Agra’s Heritage and History Conservation Committee reflects his commitment to preserving the city’s past, from Mughal marvels to forgotten tales, while his active role in civil society amplifies grassroots concerns. A Cyber Security Consultant by profession, Vishal safeguards digital frontiers, a role that aligns with his critiques of online toxicity. His editorial oversight of Agra24.in and other portals merges his journalism with tech-savvy insight, delivering real-time updates to a global audience. Whether exposing institutional opacity or celebrating cultural milestones, his pen remains a tool for truth. A photography and travel enthusiast, Vishal is fond of long drives across the country, capturing India’s diverse landscapes through his lens. He holds a special love for Rajasthan, where the vibrant culture and rugged beauty inspire him, and often unwinds on jungle safaris, with Sariska being his favorite retreat to reconnect with nature. In Lucknow, he balances his public endeavors with a private life of warmth and stability. A devoted husband and doting father, he draws strength from his family, rooting his activism in personal values. From conserving Agra’s heritage to dissecting global economics, Vishal Sharma stands as a modern polymath—a journalist of conscience, a poet of the people, and a guardian of culture and justice, leaving an indelible mark on India’s intellectual and social fabric.