NATO concerned about challenges posed by China and Russia
NATO Heads of State and Government during the speech by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a plenary session in Brussels, Belgium, June 14, 2021. REUTERS - POOL
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NATO
leaders said on
Monday they were "
concerned
" by China 's declared ambitions and "
the growing threat
" represented by the military reinforcement of Russia at their annual summit in Brussels.
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"
China's stated ambitions and assertive behavior represent systemic challenges for the rules-based international order and in areas of importance to the security of the Alliance,
" they said in the adopted conclusions. at the end of the summit, saying they were "
concerned
" by
Beijing's "
coercive policies
".
They also expressed their concern at the "
strengthening of Russia's military system and its provocative activities, especially near NATO's borders
".
"
As long as Russia does not show that it respects international law and that it honors its international obligations and responsibilities, there can be no return to normalcy,
" they warned.
► To read also:
NATO: a summit to lay the foundations of the “strategic concept 2030”
US President Joe Biden, who attended his first NATO summit on Monday after his election, is due to meet with President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on Wednesday, the last stop on a trip to Europe for a G7 summit in the United Kingdom, followed by the NATO summit and a summit with the presidents of the EU institutions on Tuesday in Brussels.
In our time of global competition, Europe and North America must remain strong and united within NATO, especially at a time when authoritarian regimes like Russia and China challenge the international order based on law.
Our relationship with Russia is at the lowest point since the Cold War and Moscow's aggressive actions affect our security;
we will maintain a strong defensive position while remaining ready for dialogue.
China's growing influence and international policy are challenges for NATO's security.
Allies agree that we must face these challenges together.
And that we must speak with China to defend our security interests.
Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO
Pierre Benazet
The Allies launched the review of the Alliance's strategic concept adopted in 2010 to prepare it to face new threats in space and cyberspace.
Support Afghanistan
They also pledged to support Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the last soldiers from the NATO training mission.
"
Aware that the Hamid Karzai International Airport is important for a diplomatic and international presence to be maintained and for Afghanistan to be linked to the rest of the world, NATO will provide transitional funding in order to ensure the continuity of the activities of this airport,
”they promised.
Turkey has declared itself ready to assume the security of Kabul airport, which is essential for maintaining a Western presence in Afghanistan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the terms of this offer during his bilateral talks with President Biden and with French President Emmanuel Macron.
► See also:
NATO summit: Turkey, under fire from critics, assumes its positions
European defense
In the field of European defense, “
NATO recognizes the importance of a stronger and more efficient European defense.
The development of coherent, complementary and interoperable defense capabilities, avoiding unnecessary duplication, is essential in our joint efforts to make the Euro-Atlantic area more secure
”.
But “
NATO remains the transatlantic framework for strong collective defense and the essential forum for consultations and security decisions between Allies
”.
(With
AFP
)
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