NATO Strengthens Ties with Asian Partners Amid Closer China-Russia Relations

10 Jul, 2024

NATO Strengthens Ties with Asian Partners Amid Closer China-Russia Relations

In the third year of the Ukraine war, NATO is set to deepen relations with its four Indo-Pacific partners. These countries, although not part of the military alliance, are gaining prominence as Russia and China forge closer ties to counter the United States. Additionally, the two Koreas support opposing sides of the conflict in Europe. The leaders of New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea will attend the NATO summit in Washington, DC, while Australia will send its deputy prime minister. China will closely monitor the summit, concerned by NATO's growing interest beyond Europe.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the relevance of global challenges across regions, highlighting the new landscape of international cooperation. The US aims to break down barriers between European alliances, Asian coalitions, and other partners worldwide. As competition escalates between the US and China, countries with shared security concerns are strengthening ties. Washington seeks to curb Beijing's ambition to challenge the US-led world order, which China views as a Cold War mentality. Beijing responded angrily to reports of a NATO-Indo-Pacific document on joint responses to cyber threats.

The Ukraine war, which has pitted the West against Russia, supports closer US, European, and Asian cooperation. Japan’s Prime Minister warned that Ukraine's situation today could mirror East Asia's tomorrow.