China's Warning to NATO: Hands Off the Indo-Pacific

China has strongly criticized NATO's accusation that it challenges the group's interests and security, opposing any attempt by the military alliance to expand into the Asia-Pacific region. NATO accused China of employing various tools to increase its global footprint and project power, engaging in malicious hybrid and cyber operations, and carrying out a substantial military build-up. China's mission to the European Union rejected these claims, stating that they disregard basic facts and deliberately discredit China. While attending the NATO summit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aimed to remind the alliance of East Asia risks, while South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sought deeper international security cooperation amid rising North Korean threats and tension with China. China warned that any action threatening its rights would be met with a resolute response and opposed NATO's "eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region."