Dmitry Keyko, Deputy Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council, believes that NATO's expansion of its military infrastructure in East Asia is aimed at containing both China and Russia.
"Until recently, Western countries, as well as Japan and South Korea, viewed Russia as a strategic adversary, while China was considered only a trade and economic competitor," Kiko told TASS. "However, these assessments have become more stringent in light of the growth of the Chinese economy and its military power, as China is now considered a military and political adversary as well. NATO's moves in Asia are aimed at containing both China and Russia."
The expert ruled out the possibility of NATO’s strategy achieving the desired results, given China’s remarkable success in developing its naval component, and said: “Western statements can be considered mere propaganda tricks rather than actual measures capable of inflicting clear damage on the Chinese side.”
Regarding Japan's position, the expert reminded everyone that it is "a hostile state (to Russia) according to the UN Charter," adding: "If you look at the archival documents, you will be convinced of this. Japan should remember its history and how World War II ended for it. It should prioritize its economic interests and the security of its people, instead of making grand pronouncements."
Earlier, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu warned that Japan and the United States were discussing a project to create an Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization, modeled after NATO, with collective defense commitments. He added that Washington was expanding its armed forces' capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region and focusing on developing the capabilities of its regional allies.
