China has officially commented on the accession of Finland and Sweden to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), arguing that the move would be "a significant development" and "would obviously bring new factors into out bilateral relations". Beijing says it is critical of the Atlantic Alliance's eastward enlargement plan and the goal of fostering "a balanced, effective and sustainable regional architecture".

China hopes "all parties will adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security, respect each other's legitimate concerns, and adhere to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security through dialogue", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, affirmed, reiterating Beijing's critical stance. Only then, he noted, "will it be possible to truly achieve long-term peace and stability in Europe".