China objects to NATO labelling it a "threat" - embassy

[June 03, 2023]  SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China "strongly opposes" NATO repeatedly labelling it a threat, China's embassy to Norway said on Saturday, referring to remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a recent visit to the Scandinavian country.   

A NATO flag flutters at the Tapa military base, Estonia April 30, 2023. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

"China urges NATO to stop stirring up regional conflicts and creating divisions and unrest," the embassy said in a statement.

Stoltenberg had accused China of threatening neighbouring countries and suppressing countries that do not comply with it, according to the embassy release.

"NATO claims to be a regional and defensive organisation, but certain members of NATO constantly extend beyond traditional defence regions, frequently establishing close military contacts with countries in the Asia-Pacific, which results in escalating tensions," it said.

"It is clear to the international community who the real threat to regional and global peace is."

(Reporting by Shanghai Newsroom; editing by Robert Birsel)

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