China is by definition a nation relevant to NATO given the
country's influence in world affairs, NATO Secretary General Jaap
de Hoop Scheffer said Thursday.
"Given China's position? –?not?only in the
region, but far beyond – China's position as an important player on
the world scene, it is by definition a nation which is relevant to
NATO," de Hoop Scheffer told Chinese journalists at a NATO New Year
reception.
NATO recognizes China as a very important player, he said.
China also recognizes NATO as an important player, being in
Afghanistan, in Kosovo, building new partnerships outside its
traditional partnership range, with Australia, New Zealand, South
Korea and Japan, he said.
China is interested in NATO – what is happening in NATO, its
operations and missions, said the NATO chief.
He saw progress in NATO-China relations in recent years, citing
NATO' exchanges with China, particularly NATO Assistant Secretary
General Martin Erdmann's visit in Beijing last summer.
Erdmann was the highest NATO official to visit China since NATO
planes bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999.
De Hoop Scheffer said he has a good relationship with the
Chinese ambassador to the European Union.
He said an incremental approach would be the best for NATO-China
relations. "It is satisfying both for China and for
NATO."?
(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2008)
