US "No Forced Choice, But Alliance Solidarity Needed to Counter China's Tech Pressure"

Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, Emphasizes Solidarity Against China's Economic Pressure at NATO Meeting
Indicates No Issues in Cooperation on Climate Change and Health Security

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, stated that the United States will not force its allies to choose sides between China and the U.S. However, he limited areas of cooperation to climate change and health security, while claiming that China poses a threat to the security of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and emphasized the need for cooperation among allies.

In a speech at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on the 24th (local time), Secretary Blinken said, "The United States will not force our allies to make a choice of 'us or them' regarding China."

Secretary Blinken also said, "We understand that our allies have complex positions on China. We must overcome these challenges together."

He further mentioned, "Each country can cooperate with China where possible," citing climate change as a field requiring cooperation with China.

However, Secretary Blinken also emphasized the need for an alliance to counterbalance China.

He stated, "There is no doubt that China threatens the collective security of NATO allies in relation to technology," and pointed out, "China is actively working to undermine international rules and the values shared by our allies."

He also argued, "We must cooperate to close the gaps in technology and infrastructure that China exploits."

Secretary Blinken said, "If China pressures any one of us, we must respond and cooperate as an alliance," expressing the view that the alliance should stand united in response to any economic retaliation China might impose on specific countries.

In his speech, Secretary Blinken also mentioned 5th generation mobile communications (5G), stating, "China's technology poses serious surveillance risks," and added, "We must bring together technology companies from countries like Sweden, Finland, South Korea, and the United States, and use public and private investments to foster safe and reliable alternatives."

Secretary Blinken also urged a firm stance toward Russia.

He criticized, "We cannot only defend. We have seen how China and Russia increasingly use access to critical resources, markets, and technologies to pressure allies and drive wedges between us."

Regarding the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project between Germany and Russia, he said he clearly conveyed to Heiko Maas, Germany’s Foreign Minister, the U.S. position that companies involved in the project risk facing U.S. sanctions.

Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken introduced, "The America First policy during the Trump administration made us forget who America’s friends are, but now it is different. We do not see alliances as a burden," mentioning the need for NATO member countries to provide appropriate defense cost-sharing contributions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.