China said today that “high vigilance” is needed for NATO’s “eastward expansion” following reports that the Alliance plans to open an office in Japan.

NATO is planning to open its first Asia Liaison Office in Japan to facilitate talks with partner countries such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, with an eye on geopolitical challenges posed by China and Russia, Nikkei Asia reported yesterday Wednesday citing Japanese and NATO officials as sources.

Nikkei Asia said in particular that the opening of this office is expected next year in Tokyo.

Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, said Asia “should not be a battleground for geopolitics.”

“Continued eastward expansion of NATO in the Asia-Pacific region, interference in regional affairs, attempts to destroy regional peace and security, the desire for confrontation require high vigilance from the countries of the region,” Mao Zedong told the Press.

Asked about the Nikkei Asia report, NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said earlier that the Alliance would not go into details.

“NATO has offices and liaison arrangements with a number of international organizations and partner countries, and Allies regularly evaluate these liaison arrangements to ensure they best meet the needs of both NATO and our partners,” he said.

Lungescu also said that NATO maintains close cooperation with Japan, which is still being strengthened.

Source: APE-MPE, Reuters.