NATO now sees China as a military threat worthy of its attention and will formulate plans to deal with China in 2021.
The shift to the Far East by NATO, which from its inception in 1949 has focused on defeating communism and Russia, marks a profound sea change in its Euro-centric military mission.
This eastward focus is a key part of the comprehensive "NATO 2030" report that contains recommendations on how to make NATO an even stronger Alliance. NATO 2030, which aims to make NATO "ready today to face tomorrow's challenges," was turned over recently to NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg said China's rise poses "important challenges to our security," in comments Monday ahead of the report's publication.
"China is investing massively in new weapons. It is coming closer to us, from the Arctic to Africa. China does not share our values ... and tries to intimidate other countries," he said while urging NATO countries to unite against China.
NATO 2030 was prepared by a group of "wise persons" led by Dr. Thomas de Maizière and Dr. Wess Mitchell and contains 138 proposals, including plans on dealing with China.
The 30-member military alliance is considering the inclusion of China in its official master strategy document, the "Strategic Concept," but will stop short of declaring China an adversary country.
Of particular concern to NATO are China's activities in the Arctic and Africa and its heavy investments in European infrastructure.
"China is no longer the benign trading partner that the West had hoped for," said one NATO diplomat. "It is the rising power of our century and NATO must adapt."
NATO 2030 recommends NATO maintain its technological advantage over China while protecting computer networks and infrastructure against Chinese cyberattacks.
NATO will focus more on boosting its presence in space where China is developing weapons such as anti-satellite missiles and lasers. It's also looking at forging closer ties with non-NATO countries such as Australia and Japan.
The report also recommends NATO foreign ministers meet more regularly to quickly tackle thorny issues facing the alliance. It will also call for a strengthening of the secretary-general's role as an international mediator.
NATO 2030 will be discussed by NATO foreign ministers at their virtual meeting Tuesday before being presented to the alliance's heads of state and government in 2021. Based on these inputs, Stoltenberg will reveal his recommendations to NATO Leaders when they meet next year.
