NATO's threat of expanding eastward sparks China's ire

China has expressed strong opposition to a threat by the US-led NATO military alliance to further intrude into the Asia-Pacific region, vowing a firm response to any risk against its legitimate rights.

Beijing also blames NATO for deliberately distorting China's policies and smearing the country. Beijing insists it will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and interests. The warning came in a statement by China's mission to the European Union following the recent NATO summit in Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.