Analyse
In a June 2020 speech at the Atlantic Council, NATO Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg stated that while China is not an adversary of NATO, the alliance must confront the security, values, and societal challenges presented by China’s rise. The exact wording closely matches the quoted statement. Multiple reputable news outlets and the Atlantic Council’s transcript confirm this phrasing.
Achtergrond
Stoltenberg’s 2020 Atlantic Council remarks addressed NATO’s strategic priorities, emphasizing cooperation with partners and acknowledging the impact of great‑power competition, particularly with China. He distinguished between adversarial relationships and the need to manage emerging challenges. The speech was part of a broader dialogue on NATO’s adaptation to a changing geopolitical landscape.
Samenvatting verdict
Stoltenberg indeed said China is not an adversary but that its rise poses security and value challenges.