Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

In response to a media inquiry regarding Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba' s remarks during his MK sportmeeting with visiting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, where Ishiba claimed that a strong NATO benefits Japan and that "Japan will continue to play a leading role in deepening cooperation between NATO and its partners in the Indo-Pacific," as well as their joint statement with negative comments involving China on issues such as the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China has noted the relevant developments and expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition against Japan colluding with NATO to unjustifiably interfere in China's internal affairs, hype up regional tensions, and stoke confrontation and division. 

The Asia-Pacific is a high ground for cooperation and development. It does not need military blocs, nor does it need bloc confrontation or small cliques promoting a new Cold War. NATO is a regional and defensive military organization. It should not overstep the geographical scope defined in its own treaty or seek to expand its authority beyond its mandate, Lin said on Friday's press briefing. 

Lin further emphasized that due to historical reasons, Japan's military and security developments have long attracted close attention from its Asian neighbors and the international community. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan should earnestly draw lessons from history, adhere to the right path of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and play a constructive role in safeguarding and promoting peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. Acting as a vanguard for NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific will only lead Japan to reap what it sows, said Lin.

Global Times