China has accused NATO of slandering its peaceful development after alliance leaders warned about “systemic challenges” coming from Beijing.
NATO said China’s actions including expanding its nuclear arsenal threatened rules-based international order.
It was the first time NATO had placed China at the centre of its agenda.
In its response, China said its defence policy was defensive in nature, urging NATO to devote more of its energy to promoting dialogue.
China’s mission to the European Union in a statement said the country’s pursuit of defence and military modernisation is justified, reasonable, open and transparent.