But in this year’sjoint communique,issued after a summit in Brussels on Tuesday (AEST),the leaders hit out atBeijing’s “coercive policies” which they said “stand in contrast to the fundamental values” that underpin the alliance.
“China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal with more warheads and a larger number of sophisticated delivery systems to establish a nuclear triad,” the communique said.
“It is opaque in implementing its military modernisation and its publicly declared military-civil fusion strategy.“
After expressing concern at Chinese military co-operation with Russia,they continued:“We remain concerned with China’s frequent lack of transparency and use of disinformation.
“We call on China to uphold its international commitments and to act responsibly in the international system,including in the space,cyber and maritime domains,in keeping with its role as a major power.”
In reply,China’s mission to the European Union urged NATO to stop exaggerating the “China threat theory”.