The Highlights of NATO's London Declaration

By IndraStra Global News Team

By IndraStra Global News Team

NATO’s London summit, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Alliance, took place in London on December 3-4, 2019. And, for the first time in NATO’s history, threats arising from China were discussed at the summit. 

The 29 leaders (of member countries) met outside London agreed on a joint declaration despite divides over strategy and spending. The highlights of the declaration as follows;

According to the declaration;

• NATO will remain the foundation for collective defense and the essential forum for security consultations and decisions among Allies. Members confirm their adherence to "the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter" and Also, reaffirm their commitment towards the Article 5 of the Washington Treaty — that an attack against one Ally shall be considered an attack against us all.

• Through the Defence Investment Pledge, Allies are going to increase defense investment in line with its 2% and 20% guidelines, investing in new capabilities, and contributing more forces to missions and operations. 

• Russia’s aggressive actions constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Russia’s deployment of new intermediate-range missiles, which brought about the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. However, Allies are open for dialogue, and to a constructive relationship with Russia when Russia’s actions make that possible.

• As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. Allies are fully committed to the preservation and strengthening of effective arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, taking into account the prevailing security environment.  

• Allies have reaffirmed their commitment to long-term security and stability in Afghanistan.

• Allies are committed to NATO’s Open Door policy, which strengthens the Alliance and has brought security to millions of Europeans. North Macedonia is soon to join NATO as the newest Ally.

• Allies, within their respective authority, are committed to ensuring the security of their communications systems, including 5G.

• Allies declared space as an operational domain for NATO, recognizing its importance in keeping EU safe and tackling security challenges while upholding international law.

• Allies recognized and accepted that China’s growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed together as an Alliance. 

RUSSIAN REACTION:

On December 12, 2019, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed NATO's current policy (as per the London Declaration) aimed at raising tensions in all areas, including space.

She emphasized, "NATO continues to pursue the policy adopted and confirmed at the Wales, Warsaw and Brussels summits, which is aimed at raising tensions and ensuring NATO’s dominance in all areas - on the ground, in the air, at sea, and in the cyberspace."

According to the Russian diplomat, "as far as we can understand, NATO allies have accepted the United States' demand to increase their military expenditures." "I would like to point out that their total military spending constitutes more than half of global expenditure and exceeds Russia’s by more than 20 times," Zakharova said.

She further stressed, "NATO is increasing its activities in the field of information and communication technologies and cutting-edge technologies."