FM Wang Yi hopes NATO pursue positive and responsible policy toward China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday in Munich that China hopes NATO would establish an objective and correct understanding of China and pursue a positive and responsible policy toward China.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Wang said China is a force for peace and stability, adding that China is the permanent member of the UN Security Council with the largest number of peacekeepers and has become the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.

China has the world's best record on peace and security, the Chinese foreign minister added.

Wang hopes Rutte would encourage NATO to adopt a rational and pragmatic attitude.

Noting the geopolitical conflicts continue to escalate nowadays, Wang hopes that NATO would maintain its position and function as a regional defense organization and play a constructive role for world and regional peace.

Rutte said during the meeting that NATO, as a regional defense organization, has no intention to expand to Asia.

NATO stands ready to strengthen dialogue and communication with China to enhance mutual understanding and trust, Rutte added.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Rutte said that NATO attaches great importance to China's influence and role and hopes that China will play an important role in the solving Russia-Ukraine conflict as early as possible.

During the meeting, Wang elaborated on China's principle and position, and expressed its willingness to continue to work with all parties to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the crisis and building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework.