Putin says NATO is trying to expand its geographic boundaries to Asia

Published November 08,2023

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday stated that NATO is trying to develop its geographical boundaries, most notably within the path of Asia.

“We see attempts by some countries to expand their zone of influence, and the North Atlantic Alliance, oddly enough, in violation of its own doctrinal documents, is making attempts to go beyond the geographical boundaries of its activities,” Putin stated forward of a gathering with Zhang Youxia, the vice chair of China’s Central Military Commission, within the Moscow area.

Putin additional stated that the US is drawing NATO international locations an increasing number of into making a “tense situation” within the Asia-Pacific area, whereas additionally attempting to create new military-political alliances with international locations within the area.

The US is “guided by its own selfish interests,” Putin additionally stated, including that his nation and China have reacted in the direction of Washington’s intent to create new alliances within the area in a “calm and balanced” method by strengthening their protection capabilities, together with via joint naval and air workout routines.

Russia’s president additionally denied that Moscow and Beijing are forming any navy alliances “along the lines of the Cold War,” saying that bilateral contacts between each international locations are “constructive” and are “a serious factor in stabilizing the international situation.”

For his half, Zhang stated that China expressed its respect for Russia in its capacity to face towards Western sanctions, which he stated “shows that no difficulty bends Russia.”

Russia notably launched its conflict on Ukraine in February 2022 over considerations Ukraine would possibly be part of the NATO alliance. Since the conflict started, Finland-bordering Russia-has joined NATO, Sweden’s membership software is pending, and Ukraine has pushed more durable to affix NATO’s ranks.

The US has argued that Chinese forces are performing “aggressively” within the Asia-Pacific, in such areas because the South China Sea and undermining worldwide legislation, and that US forces are working to make sure free navigation in worldwide waters.