China issues warning to Japan against backing NATO expansion in Asia: 'Let the wolf...'

In a candid exclusive interview with TASS, Chinese Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, has issued a stern warning to Japan and other countries considering the expansion of NATO into the East and Asia-Pacific (Indo-Pacific). The diplomat's remarks echo China's persistent concerns about the potential ramifications of ushering the US-led alliance into this crucial region.

Zhang Hanhui emphasised the significance of learning from historical lessons, cautioning against unilateral actions that could disrupt the hard-won peace and stability of the area. He urged countries, including Japan, to avoid becoming advocates for NATO's eastward expansion, drawing an analogy that's hard to ignore: "Let the wolf into the sheepfold, it will take a bite on every sheep." It is odd that the Chinese diplomat conveniently skirts over the fact that China is the country which has a border dispute with almost all of its neighbours. 

NATO is considering setting up a liasion office in Japan

The recent deliberations within NATO about establishing a liaison office in Japan have underscored the complex dynamics at play. While the idea received consideration in Tokyo, France's opposition has cast a shadow over the proposal, asserting that NATO should remain rooted in the North Atlantic region.

Why is China nervous?

China's opposition to NATO's expansion into the region, particularly the East and Asia-Pacific, stems from a combination of geopolitical, historical, and strategic factors. China views NATO's presence in the Asia-Pacific as an encroachment on its sphere of influence. The region is of vital strategic importance to China's economic and security interests. NATO's presence could potentially disrupt China's efforts to exert greater control over regional affairs and resources.

China perceives NATO's presence as part of a broader effort to contain its rise as a global power. The alliance's expansion could enhance the military capabilities of countries in the region and potentially align them with the United States, thereby altering the strategic balance in a way that China finds unfavorable.