NATO and China are intensifying efforts to deepen cooperation with Indo-Pacific and European countries, seen as part of major power competition. China counters NATO’s moves with military exercises and alliances.
NATO and China are both engaging in efforts to enhance cooperation with like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, which some analysts see as part of the increasing competition between major powers, particularly the United States and China. According to political scientist Ian Chong, this represents a typical major power rivalry where countries seek support from allies in their endeavors. With the intensifying competition between major powers, NATO’s recent announcement of joint projects with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand during its summit in Washington aims to strengthen cooperation on various issues including Ukraine, artificial intelligence, disinformation, and cybersecurity.
The U.S. national security adviser emphasized the importance of leveraging the unique strengths of democracies to address global challenges through these joint projects. In response, China criticized NATO for fueling bloc confrontation and regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. While some experts believe NATO’s focus on collaborating with like-minded countries in critical areas of competition is aimed at building competencies and establishing more cooperation with democracies, others suggest that the alliance is signaling to China its determination to remain engaged in key areas of competition.
China, on the other hand, is also bolstering military cooperation with Belarus and Russia as a response to NATO’s efforts to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific countries. Through joint military exercises near the Polish border with Belarus and naval drills with Russia in the South China Sea, China is showcasing its resolve and capabilities in addressing maritime security threats while signaling its discontent with NATO’s Indo-Pacific engagement. By aligning military exercises with international summits like the SCO Summit in Kazakhstan, China aims to promote an alternative world order and counter Western influence through strategic partnerships and security arrangements.
Source : Competition between NATO, China intensifies following Washington summit
