Nato to discuss multilateral stance on China, Russia at first Biden-era talks

China and Russia lead ‘authoritarian pushback against rules-based international order’, according to Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

Like-minded democracies should work more closely, including on addressing consequences of China’s rise and a more assertive Russia, he says

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Nato members need “a more global approach” to face challenges posed by Beijing and Moscow, the alliance’s secretary general has said. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:00pm, 16 Feb 2021Updated: 10:59am, 18 Feb 2021

Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation are convening this week to discuss a more multilateral approach to countering China and Russia, in the first meeting of the Western defence alliance during Joe Biden’s US presidency.

Defence ministers from Nato countries will hold virtual talks on Wednesday and Thursday, with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin expected to stress a renewed American commitment to transatlantic ties that were strained by former president Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of European allies for not contributing more in defence spending.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Monday that the meeting this week would lay out priorities for the Nato summit in Brussels later this year, including addressing concerns about “fairer burden-sharing” and the commitment of members to defend each other.

He said the countries also needed to “take a more global approach” to deal with the challenges from Beijing and Moscow, including more consultation within the alliance on related military, economic and technological security issues.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks ahead of this week’s talks between defence ministers in Brussels. Photo: Reuters

“China and Russia are at the forefront of an authoritarian pushback against rules-based international order,” he said.

“Broader consultations also means that we should closely, even more closely, consult with partners, especially as we address the consequences of the rise of China and a more assertive Russia. So work with like-minded democracies is part of a strengthening of the political agenda and the political consultations within Nato.”