Wang Yi Meets with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at Request via Video Link

On September 27, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the latter's request via video link.

Wang Yi said, China is open to dialogue and exchanges with NATO. As global challenges are now emerging one after another, the international community needs solidarity and cooperation, greater understanding and mutual trust more than ever. Both China and NATO agree to strengthen dialogue and exchanges for mutual understanding. And the key to advancing bilateral relations lies in addressing the issue of perception. The two sides should look at each other rationally and objectively rather than listening to and believing in misinformation only and being confused by lies and rumors. China has not been, and will not be, an adversary of NATO. China is willing to continue dialogue with NATO on the basis of equality and mutual respect to promote the sound and stable development of relations between the two sides.

Noting that China follows a defensive national defense policy, Wang Yi said, China remains committed to peaceful development. It does not seek hegemony, expansion or spheres of influence, and is willing to share development benefits with other countries. While insisting on engaging in dialogue instead of confrontation and forging global partnerships instead of antagonistic blocs, China works to build a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, equity, justice and win-win cooperation and a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang Yi said, the Asia-Pacific region is home to China. In recent years, some NATO members have sent ships and planes to the vicinity of China. But the Asia-Pacific region does not need to establish new military blocs, and should no longer cause confrontation between major powers, let alone forming small cliques aimed at instigating a new Cold War. NATO should adhere to its original geographical positioning and play a constructive role in securing peaceful and stable regional development.

Stoltenberg said that China as an important global force has made great achievements in economic development and poverty alleviation, offering development opportunities to the whole world. Since NATO began engagement with China last year, bilateral relations have made positive progress. NATO does not see China as an adversary and is willing to develop a constructive relationship with China, including continuing dialogue and exchanges and exploring cooperation on a range of issues such as non-proliferation and climate change, on the basis of mutual respect without any preconditions attached.

Both sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern, such as the situation in Afghanistan.

The two sides agreed that the virtual meeting was positive and constructive and are willing to continue communication, leverage the established dialogue mechanisms to improve the quality of dialogue, and facilitate practical cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, cyberspace and international peacekeeping operations.