China News Service, Beijing, May 12th (Reporter Li Jingze and Xing Chong) Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presided over a regular press conference on May 12th.
A reporter asked: According to reports, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed in interviews with the media that the two sides are negotiating on opening a NATO liaison office in Japan. What is China’s comment?
Wang Wenbin: NATO has publicly stated on many occasions that NATO’s positioning as a regional alliance has not changed and that it does not seek geographical breakthroughs. The Asia-Pacific region is not within the geographical scope of the North Atlantic Ocean, and there is no need to establish an “Asia-Pacific version of NATO.” However, NATO continues to strengthen its relations with Asia-Pacific countries, insists on advancing eastward into the Asia-Pacific region, intervening in regional affairs, and provoking confrontation between camps. What is the intention of NATO? This has aroused the high vigilance of the international community, especially countries in the Asia-Pacific region. We hope relevant parties will not undermine regional peace and stability by seeking so-called geopolitical interests.
At the same time, the outside world is also very concerned about whether Japan really wants to be the vanguard of NATO’s “Asia-Pacificization”. Asia is a highland of peace and stability and a land of cooperation and development, and should not become a duel ground for geopolitical competition. Due to the history of modern militaristic aggression, Japan’s military security has always attracted the attention of its Asian neighbors and the international community. We urge the Japanese side to learn lessons from history, stick to the path of peaceful development, and refrain from doing things that undermine mutual trust among countries in the region and damage regional peace and stability. (over)Return to Sohu to see more
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