From being a distant threat, Beijing takes centre stage at the 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Washington. 

Key Issues at NATO’s 75th Anniversary Summit

• Expected Dominant Issues: 
  • US President Joe Biden’s Health.
  • War in Ukraine.
  • Israel-Hamas Conflict.
• Actual Dominant Issue: China’s influence and actions.
  • Described as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
  • Urged to cease all material and political support to Russia’s military.
  • Concerns highlighted about China’s nuclear arsenal and offensive capabilities in space.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

NATO’s Response and Actions

• Significant intensification of commitment to Ukraine.
• Transfer of US-built F16 “Fighting Falcon” fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands.
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned a “clear and strong bridge for Ukraine’s NATO membership,” contingent on cessation of hostilities.

China’s Response and Actions

• Reaction to NATO Declaration: Beijing’s Statement described the NATO statement as “obvious lies and smears”.
  • Asserted that trade flows between Russia and China do not target any third party.
• Military Developments: Joint drills with Moscow’s ally Belarus on NATO member Poland’s borders.
  • First such exercise since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
• Strategic Implications for NATO: Shaping the Conflict. Russia-Ukraine War as Proxy NATO-China Conflict.
  • New paradigm for NATO to handle amid critical leadership transition.
• Unity and Resilience Test: NATO’s Challenge in handling the new dynamics of the conflict. Ensuring alliance unity and resilience.

Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store

Conclusion

NATO’s summit underscored China’s growing influence in global conflicts, intensifying support for Ukraine and testing alliance unity amid US political uncertainties and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

DOWNLOAD PDF