Seventy years since its Cold War-era founding as a transatlantic alliance focuse...
WATFORD, England - Seventy years since its Cold War-era founding as a transatlantic alliance focused on Moscow, NATO is expanding its gaze toward the increasingly muscular challenge posed by China.
In a statement issued after they met on the outskirts of London on Wednesday, NATO leaders said: “We recognize that China’s growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges that we need to address together as an Alliance.” U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, in an interview with Reuters, said there was an increasing understanding in Europe about the challenges posed by China’s rapidly expanding military might, which includes everything from hypersonic weaponry to aircraft carriers.“That doesn’t mean that China right now is an enemy. But we need to help shape that together as an alliance. And we need to be prepared in case things do turn out in a way we prefer they not.
The United States, in particular, wants European allies to ban equipment from Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei, saying its gear could be used by Beijing for spying. Trump, however, referred directly to Huawei as “a security danger”, telling a news conference he had assurances from Italy and other countries that they would not pursue deals with the company.One NATO diplomat said there was broad agreement that China was “part of our strategic environment” but cautioned about the limits of European unity on the push.
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