China strongly rejected comments from a European leader at the Shangri-La Dialogue that suggested NATO expansion into Asia-Pacific was justified. The remarks also equated the Taiwan question with the Ukraine crisis and implied growing threats in the South China Sea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded on Wednesday, firmly opposing these comparisons and implications.
He stated that Taiwan remains an inalienable part of China. Therefore, the Taiwan issue is a domestic matter and has no similarity to Ukraine. Lin urged all involved parties to follow the one-China principle without distortion. He emphasized respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as essential for any diplomatic engagement.
Turning to the South China Sea, Lin stressed that the region remains largely stable. He said there are no current threats to freedom of navigation or overflight. Moreover, he explained that China handles maritime disputes through peaceful dialogue with directly involved countries. He warned that nations outside the region should avoid provoking conflict or spreading instability.
Lin also issued a clear stance against NATO expansion into Asia-Pacific. He described NATO as a defensive organization meant for a specific region. Expanding into the Asia-Pacific, he said, violates its intended purpose and geographical scope. Lin warned that such actions could incite unnecessary confrontation and destabilize regional peace.
Furthermore, Lin stated that countries in Asia do not welcome military alliances like NATO. He rejected the notion of an “Asia-Pacific version of NATO,” citing regional commitment to peace and cooperation. According to Lin, NATO expansion into Asia-Pacific could erode trust and encourage conflict rather than stability.
He added that Asia is a shared home for all its nations, including China. Recent years have seen tremendous development in the region due to joint efforts and mutual respect. Lin said that China supports neighborhood diplomacy based on mutual benefit, openness, and peace.
Finally, he urged outside forces to abandon Cold War mentalities and resist dividing the Asia-Pacific region. Lin emphasized once again that China does not seek spheres of influence. Instead, it calls for cooperative development and peaceful coexistence, rejecting NATO expansion into Asia-Pacific as a disruptive force.
