China “strongly opposes” NATO frequently characterizing it as a threat, the Chinese embassy in Norway stated on Saturday, according to comments made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a recent visit to the Scandinavian nation.

The embassy issued a statement that read, “China urges NATO to stop inciting regional conflicts and sowing discord and unrest.”

Stoltenberg had accused China of threatening neighbouring countries and suppressing countries that do not comply with it, according to the embassy release.

“NATO claims to be a regional and defensive organisation, but certain members of NATO constantly extend beyond traditional defence regions, frequently establishing close military contacts with countries in the Asia-Pacific, which results in escalating tensions,” it said.

“It is clear to the international community who the real threat to regional and global peace is.”