China tells NATO to avoid 'causing chaos' ahead of US summit

Beijing’s remarks come as leaders of Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia attend NATO summit in Washington

China on Monday urged NATO to avoid “causing chaos” in the Asia-Pacific region as the military bloc was set to convene in the US, state media reported.

“NATO should adhere to its positioning as a regional defensive organization, stop creating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, stop promoting Cold War mentality and bloc confrontations,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

Lin charged NATO of causing chaos in Europe, and urged the military bloc to avoid repeating such moves in the region.

Beijing’s remarks came as the leaders of Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand are among the Asia-Pacific guests attending the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, with Australia represented by its defense minister.

The summit, scheduled for July 9-11, will mark the 75th anniversary of the military alliance.