As Western leaders convened in Washington, D.C. this week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of NATO, discussions inevitably centered on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, stating confidently that the nation would not relent and would ultimately prevail. In his words, “Ukraine can and will stop” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aim “to wipe Ukraine off the map.”
However, amidst the deliberations, attention shifted unexpectedly toward the People’s Republic of China. Despite China’s calls for a ceasefire in the conflict, NATO and Western leaders expressed concerns over Beijing’s role on the global stage. Citing the alliance’s Washington Summit Declaration, leaders highlighted the “deepening strategic partnership between Russia and the People’s Republic of China” and their “mutually reinforcing attempts to undercut and reshape the rules-based international order” as causes for profound concern.
This intensified focus on China raises important questions. For over five years, China had not been a significant subject of scrutiny by NATO. Yet now, in the midst of a critical summer, Beijing finds itself in the spotlight. One wonders why this shift is occurring at this particular moment.
Some suggest that domestic political challenges within several democratic nations may be influencing this stance. In the United States, President Biden faces a closely contested election against former President Donald Trump. Concerns abound that a potential return of Trump to the White House could alter the U.S. commitment to NATO. As a result, the alliance appears to be reinforcing its strategies by placing military aid under NATO’s auspices, extending long-term pledges to defend Ukraine, and increasing overall defense spending.
The question remains: Is NATO’s intensified focus on China justified, or is it a strategic move influenced by internal political pressures? As global dynamics continue to evolve, the international community watches closely, seeking clarity and resolution.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
