SCMP "NATO Unlikely to Take Military Measures Targeting China"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yoo-jin] Regarding NATO's unprecedented joint statement to contain China, Hong Kong media claimed that NATO will not take military action targeting China.

Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 15th that "NATO adopted a joint statement for the first time in its 72-year history defining China as a 'structural challenge' and expressing its intention to counter China's rise."

SCMP stated, "Since 2019, China has been at the center of NATO summit agendas," adding, "(This joint statement adoption) is part of U.S. President Joe Biden's plan to rebuild the Atlantic alliance in response to the threat posed by China."

It also mentioned that this follows the G7 summit's joint statement focused on China.

SCMP, citing experts, predicted that "NATO will not take direct military measures such as sending ships to the South China Sea or conducting military exercises in China's backyard."

Pierre Morcos, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), interpreted, "At best, NATO will strengthen partnerships with Asia-Pacific countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia for defense," and "NATO's new focus on China is to better understand security issues arising from China's expanding influence in Europe."

Photo by EPA

SCMP also quoted remarks from leaders who take a cautious stance on containing China, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n, who is considered pro-China.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n said, "We welcome seeking opportunities to cooperate with China on issues such as climate change based on the interests of our alliance," and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was reported to have said, "I don't think anyone wants to go into a new Cold War with China."

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