China ‘frustrated’ by what it sees as US efforts to contain it in Asia
Recent opposition to an 'Asian Nato' shows Beijing's frustration over what it sees as American efforts to contain its rise, analysts say
From territorial disputes in two of Asia's major seas to the nuclear crisis in North Korea, Chinese and US officials have exchanged sharp words - a trend that analysts say has heightened China's frustration over what it perceives as intensifying efforts to contain its rise.
One of the most recent salvoes came from the Chinese ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai , who, in a direct repudiation of Washington's efforts to strengthen military ties with Asian countries, said in New York last week that China would oppose any attempt to build an Asian version of Nato.
China is increasingly feeling that it’s being cornered
Analysts said that while there was little support for such a regional military alliance, Cui's remark came at a time the US was talking up its commitment to the region, and Asian countries were seeking a counterbalance to China's naval presence in the region.
"The US is not establishing a Nato in Asia, but the conditions are ripe for it to be capable of doing so if it wishes to," said Ni Lexiong , director of a defence policy centre at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.
"Cui was acting strategically to have raised China's opposition to a possible Nato in Asia. Such containment is China's biggest fear," Ni said.
