Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang on Thursday strongly objected to NATO using China as a pretext for “expanding eastward into the Asia-Pacific region.”
He made this statement at a press briefing, commenting on recent statements by the NATO Secretary General.
Zhang Xiaogang noted that China has consistently followed the path of peaceful development and pursued a defense policy that is defensive in nature.
China’s development of military potential is aimed solely at protecting its sovereignty, security and development interests, Zhang Xiaogang emphasized, adding that China’s cooperation with Russia is not directed against third parties, but at the same time does not accept the interference and influence of third parties.
NATO, on the other hand, is engaged in instigation and fanning flames in various parts of the world to create unrest and provoke wars, thereby living up to its nickname of “war machine,” a senior Chinese military official said.
In recent years, NATO has expanded its powers and authority beyond the geographical boundaries stipulated in its treaty, causing high concern among countries in the region, Zhang Xiaogang added.
China calls on NATO to rethink its actions, change its course and make a greater contribution to global security and stability, a Chinese Defense Ministry official concluded. -0-