China Feels Provoked by NATO: Is History Repeating Itself?

The Growing Tension Between China and the United States

The current tension between China and the United States is escalating, with the U.S.
expressing concerns about Asian support for Moscow through the purchase of raw materials and the supply of sanctioned goods, despite their declared neutrality.
In response, the People’s Republic of China urges the United States not to “bring chaos” within its borders and directs accusations against the American government.
However, Beijing’s harsh response to these insinuations is just the tip of the iceberg.

China’s Provocation by NATO

China feels provoked by NATO’s increasing presence in the Indo-Pacific through agreements with countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, who were also invited to the annual summit in Washington.
Beijing believes that the enforced U.S.
presence is damaging its interests, fearing potential isolation from international economic relations in the future.

These concerns resemble the warnings of President Putin that culminated in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
However, the situations between China and the United States are different from the past conflicts between Kiev and Moscow.
Despite fragile balances, there is no immediate crisis in sight, although the outlook is far from promising.

The Allegations Against China by NATO

During NATO’s 75th summit, China was accused of challenging “interests, security, and values” through its strategic partnership with Russia, raising concerns about international order.
Beijing denies benefiting from the Ukrainian conflict or supplying arms to conflicting parties, countering NATO’s discrimination and bellicose rhetoric.

China argues that it is the United States that jeopardizes peace and security through the oppressive global expansion of NATO.
The collaboration between U.S.
allies in the Indo-Pacific is a major source of concern for Beijing, viewing these relationships as an attempt to establish an “Eastern NATO.”

The Reproach of the United States and NATO

The U.S.
and NATO accuse China of hybrid, space, and cyber threats, attempting to reshape international dynamics according to its desires.
The ambitions of China to become a global power have prompted the U.S.
and NATO to increase their presence in the Asian region to contain its growth.

Despite no new entries into NATO, increased cooperation among allies worldwide risks destabilizing international relations, undermining security.
China mirrors this by strengthening economic ties with Western Pacific nations to bolster its economic power, a strategy contested by Washington through cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns.

The Ongoing Confrontation

The tensions between powerful nations continue to rise, with Taiwan becoming a focal point of international concern.
While China and NATO engage in military exercises, accusations, and symbolic shows of force, there is no single event that triggers a significant escalation, yet both sides’ expansions hint at a worrisome future escalation.