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Last week, NATO heads of state gathered in Washington to commemorate the alliance\u2019s 75th anniversary. While the summit\u2019s outcomes were largely predictable, the discussions revealed an unexpected emphasis on China. The Asian superpower emerged as a central topic of concern, reflecting NATO\u2019s evolving strategic considerations.<\/p>\n
China\u2019s influence was a top agenda item for NATO, criticized for several reasons: the People\u2019s Liberation Army\u2019s aggressive actions in the East and South China Seas, its strategic alliance with Russia, and its efforts to undermine the international order. The summit\u2019s joint communique emphasized, \u201cThe People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s stated ambitions and coercive policies continue to challenge our interests, security, and values.\u201d<\/p>\n
NATO\u2019s invitation to the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4)\u2014Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea\u2014for a third consecutive year underscored the alliance\u2019s intent to enhance coordination with Asian powers concerning China. Although U.S. and NATO leaders did not explicitly frame the summit as an anti-China gathering, the underlying message was clear.<\/p>\n
Recent years have seen a growing consensus among experts and officials that Europe and East Asia cannot be viewed in isolation. A crisis in the South China Sea could harm Europe\u2019s economic well-being, just as a conflict in Europe might enable China to advance its regional ambitions unchecked. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted this interconnectedness, stating on July 1, \u201cThere\u2019s strong recognition that the two theaters \u2026 are linked.\u201d<\/p>\n
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been a vocal advocate of this linkage theory, suggesting that \u201cUkraine today may be the East Asia of tomorrow.\u201d This perspective gains credibility considering Russian President Vladimir Putin\u2019s recent visit to North Korea and the new comprehensive strategic partnership between Putin and Kim Jong Un. This partnership, aiming to bolster bilateral relations, trade, and mutual assistance in case of aggression, could exacerbate security challenges in both Europe and East Asia.<\/p>\n
North Korea\u2019s provision of munitions to Russia and Russia\u2019s potential assistance to North Korea in satellite technology present significant security concerns. These developments pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to countries like Germany, Poland, Japan, and South Korea. The United States and its allies have responded by pooling resources and strengthening communication on shared concerns. Cooperation primarily occurs through bilateral and mini-lateral arrangements.<\/p>\n
For instance, the United Kingdom and Japan finalized a Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2023, facilitating military collaboration and joint exercises. Germany and France have also deployed naval and air forces to the Indo-Pacific, both as a show of resolve to China and to protect freedom of navigation. In 2023, Berlin sent its first warship to the South China Sea in nearly two decades.<\/p>\n
The U.S. is enhancing trilateral naval drills with Japan and South Korea, and with Japan and the Philippines, to boost interoperability among their forces.<\/p>\n
NATO has increasingly addressed China in its communications. In 2019, the alliance acknowledged that \u201cChina\u2019s growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges.\u201d By 2022, NATO\u2019s Strategic Concept adopted a more critical tone, citing China\u2019s confrontational rhetoric, \u201cmalicious hybrid and cyber operations,\u201d and exploitation of economic leverage over smaller states.<\/p>\n
There is a growing sense that NATO, originally designed during the Cold War to defend Western Europe from the Soviet Union, should adapt to counter China. Some, like former Supreme Allied Commander Europe James Stavridis, have even proposed including Japan, South Korea, and Australia in the alliance.<\/p>\n
Strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation with East Asian countries could provide a more flexible and less provocative approach. This strategy allows the U.S. and its allies to support these countries\u2019 defense capabilities without extending NATO\u2019s mandate.<\/p>\n
In addition to military cooperation, NATO members can focus on economic and cybersecurity partnerships to counter China\u2019s influence. Strengthening economic ties with East Asian countries and collaborating on cybersecurity measures can provide a multi-faceted approach to addressing security concerns.<\/p>\n