Beijing lashed out at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after 30 world leaders of the alliance issued a communiqué critical of the communist regime. “China’s stated ambitions and assertive behavior present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to alliance security,” the communiqué stated after leaders met for a one-day summit in Brussels on June 14. NATO also expressed concerns about Beijing’s coercive policies, as well as its rapid expansion of nuclear weapons, military-civil fusion strategy, and “frequent lack of transparency and use of disinformation.” Additionally, NATO called on Beijing to “act responsibly in the international system, including in the space, cyber, and maritime domains.” The 30 leaders called for unity within the alliance to confront China. According to the communiqué, China’s growing influence and international policies pose “challenges that we need to address together as an Alliance.” In response to NATO’s tough stance, a …