Russia and China are “concerned” by NATO’s growing presence in Asia, according to a joint statement by the presidents of the two countries, signed on Tuesday after talks in the Kremlin between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, AFP reports.

“The (two) sides are very concerned about the growing strengthening of ties between NATO and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region in military and security matters,” Putin and Xi Jinping said, accusing the Atlantic alliance of “undermining regional peace and stability.” .

Moscow and Beijing “oppose the formation of exclusive closed blocs in the Asia-Pacific region,” they stressed, condemning “the negative impact of the American strategy guided by the Cold War mentality (…) on peace and stability in this region.” “.

Russia and China also expressed “strong concern” over possible “consequences and risks for strategic stability in the Asia-Pacific region” over plans by the US, Australia and Great Britain (AUKUS) alliance to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Moscow and Beijing “strongly call on the participants of this partnership to strictly fulfill their non-proliferation obligations (…) and maintain regional peace,” they said. (photo: Dreamstime)