NATO seeks Asia-Pacific support to thwart Russia-China alliance
Foreign ministers want united front to discourage Beijing's war assistance
BRUSSELS -- NATO foreign ministers will meet with their counterparts from the Asia-Pacific this week, seeking to gain their cooperation in deepening the economic and diplomatic isolation of Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Top diplomats from eight countries and the European Union will take part, including Ukraine as well as Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. In light of reports of alleged war crimes by Russia in Ukraine, the ministers are expected to discuss their responses, including additional assistance to Kyiv.
"Targeting and murdering civilians is a war crime," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Tuesday, criticizing the Russian military's actions in Ukraine.
Top diplomats from Georgia, Sweden, Finland and the EU will also attend the two-day gathering, which begins Wednesday. NATO works closely with the latter three in particular.
The officials are expected to urge Russia to cease hostilities immediately, and agree to heighten vigilance on new developments in Eastern Europe. They will discuss delivering greater financial and military aid to Ukraine.
Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand previously were invited to a NATO foreign ministers meeting in December 2020, according to the organization. But this will be the first time a Japanese minister attends.
NATO looks to deepen its cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries to discourage China from backing Russia in the war in Ukraine. The bloc worries that Chinese financial and military assistance could drag out the conflict, and believes Beijing is already aiding Moscow politically by spreading false information.
NATO leaders called on China to "abstain from supporting Russia’s war effort in any way" at their extraordinary summit on March 24.
The organization had been concerned by China's clout in and around Europe even before the war. Beijing is wielding greater influence over the Balkan Peninsula through its Belt and Road infrastructure building initiative, and is mapping out natural resources in the Arctic Ocean. The EU has reported Chinese cyberattacks against members.
NATO has responded by engaging in discussions with Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand on how China's rise could shift the global security landscape. NATO and countries in the Asia-Pacific share many security concerns, including in the Korean Peninsula and out at sea.
NATO leaders will meet in June in Madrid, where they are expected to agree to bolster defensive capabilities in Eastern European regions near Russia. They are also preparing to outline how they plan to deal with issues relating to China in the group's new strategic concept, which will set its direction over the next decade.