China’s embassy in the United Kingdom has strongly criticized NATO after recent remarks made by the alliance’s new Secretary General, Mark Rutte. In a statement released on Wednesday, the embassy accused NATO of “smearing and scapegoating” China by spreading false ideas about the country’s military actions.
The reaction came after Rutte, speaking at a public event hosted by Chatham House in London on Monday, said that China was working closely with Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He said these countries are “modernising and expanding” their militaries at “breakneck speed.” The full speech was later published on Organization’s official website.
In response, the Chinese embassy said NATO’s claims are misleading and based on a “misperception” of China’s true intentions. A spokesperson said NATO is using China as a reason to justify its own military expansion and to create global tension.
Blaming China for Global Fear
The embassy’s statement said NATO is suffering from a “Cold War mindset,” where it divides the world into enemies and allies. China said this way of thinking is outdated and dangerous in today’s global community. Instead of creating peace, their attitude is spreading fear, the embassy added.
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The spokesperson urged NATO to stop creating “security anxiety” by accusing other nations without solid evidence. The statement said it is unfair to blame China for the current security problems in the world and that China should not be used as an “excuse” for NATO’s growing military actions.
The embassy warned that painting China as a threat harms regional and global stability. It said NATO’s military build-up, along with its “false narrative” about China, increases the risk of misunderstanding and conflict between countries.
Mark Rutte’s Comments Trigger Diplomatic Row
Mark Rutte, Secretary General after serving as the Dutch Prime Minister, made his remarks during a speech at Chatham House. He pointed out that China and several other countries seen as rivals to the West are expanding their military power in ways that challenge their interests.
He said that the growing cooperation between China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran is worrying. Rutte described China’s military growth as fast and large-scale. While he did not call for direct action, his words suggested that NATO sees China’s behavior as a serious concern for global security.
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China, however, insists that its military efforts are focused only on defense and peacekeeping. The embassy emphasized that China does not seek to dominate or threaten any country. It believes they are using China’s military growth as a convenient excuse to keep increasing its own power.
This sharp exchange between Mark Rutte and the Chinese embassy reflects growing distrust between China and NATO. The disagreement also shows how global alliances are clashing over how to handle rising powers and shifting military influence.