NATO declares China a ‘threat’ for the first time as it outlines ten-year strategic plan

NATO has warned China and Russia pose a security threat in its 10 year strategic plan as the security alliance formally invited Sweden and Finland to join the 30-member bloc in a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The blueprint plan pointed to Beijing using "malicious" hybrid and cyber operations and a "confrontation rhetoric" while distributing disinformation to target allies and "harming" alliance security.

NATO also argued the superpower nation used the strength of its economy to "create strategic dependencies" to "enhance its influence".

"The PRC employs a broad range of political, economic and military tools to increase its global footprint and project power, while remaining opaque about its strategy, intentions and military build-up," the statement read.

"It strives to subvert the rules-based international order, including in the space, cyber and maritime domains."

The group also recognised the strong relationship between Russia and China and their attempts to "undercut the rules-based international order" to its values and interests.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese - who was invited to the summit as part of the "Asia Pacific 4" - echoed the threat remarks of Beijing and Moscow when he delievered a speech to the security alliance.

"Just as Russia seeks to recreate a Russian or Soviet empire, the Chinese government is seeking friends, whether it be … through economic support to build up alliances to undermine what has historically been the Western alliance in places like the Indo-Pacific," he said.

Mr Albanese earlier said Beijing "should be condemning" Moscow's deadly actions in the Ukrainian invasion that is into its fifth month.

https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/nato-addresses-china-security-concerns-as-it-labels-russia-the-most-significant-threat-in-strategic-plan-for-the-next-decade/news-story/1785df9cf5542d0f1b48d20eb43660cd