NATO Secretary General: China Has The Potential To Trigger Europe's Largest Conflict Since PD II

JAKARTA - Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg accused China of potentially triggering the largest military conflict in Europe since World War (PD) II, he told Japanese newspaper Yomiuri in an interview.

Russia produces a drone missile with the support of advanced technology imported from China, which could hold Beijing responsible for sparking the biggest conflict in European territory since World War II, Stoltenberg told Japanese newspapers.

"Therefore, there is a strong need to strengthen cooperation between Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand to increase pressure on China and stabilize the region," he said.

In the event of a crisis around Taiwan, NATO will maintain its status as an alliance of North America and Europe, Stoltenberg said.

As reported by Antara from Sputnik, Monday, July 1, Stoltenberg also said NATO would not continue its previously announced plans to open an office in Tokyo to avoid Beijing's provocations.

NATO does not see China as a rival but views China's behavior as a challenge to the alliance's values, interests and security, Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg's remarks come as the United States continues to accuse China of restoring relations with Russia and accuse Beijing of supporting Russia's special military operations in Ukraine.

China and Russia have rejected US claims and stressed the economic properties of their bilateral relations.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in May that his country was in talks to open a NATO liaison office in Tokyo to facilitate consultations with the alliance.

The 75th NATO summit will take place July 9-11 in Washington.