Caixin

Commentary: Why NATO Must Recalibrate Its Assessment of Chinese Strategic Intent

Published: Sep. 11, 2026  11:42 a.m.  GMT+8
00:00
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article 1x
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended a press conference during the NATO Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, on June 25, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended a press conference during the NATO Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, on June 25, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Despite Trump’s litany of missteps, he may well have a point in labeling NATO as obsolete, but not for the right reasons.

NATO has a new strategic vision and a reinvigorated sense of purpose, but it’s still gripped by the same zero-sum game mindset. By bookmarking China as a security threat in its playbook, NATO seems unwilling to move out from its time-capsule and face the reality of today’s world.

loadingImg
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and Bloomberg - for the price of one.

Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code