NATO needs to think more seriously about what to do with China’s growing military might, although Russia will remain the Alliance’s main opponent this decade, according to a report on NATO reforms to be published on Tuesday.
The NATO 2030 report, drafted by a group of so-called “smart people”, contains 138 proposals for reshaping the alliance, the “brain death” of which was announced last year by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“China is no longer the submissive trading partner that the West hoped for. It is a growing superpower of our century, and NATO must adapt,” said a diplomat who read a report pointing to Beijing’s activities in the Arctic and Africa, as well as major Chinese investment. European infrastructure.
Part of NATO’s response must be to maintain technological superiority over China by protecting its computer networks and infrastructure, the diplomat said.
The Alliance also needs to build closer relations with non-NATO countries such as Australia and pay more attention to its deterrence capacity in space, where China is developing its capabilities, the report’s authors suggest.
NATO should consider mentioning China in its official strategy document, the diplomat revealed in the report’s recommendation.
However, the authors have not recommended declaring China an opponent.
The report also calls for more regular meetings of Allied Foreign Ministers and for a stronger role for NATO Secretary General as an international mediator.
The report will be discussed by NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday, and will be presented to heads of state and government next year.
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