The so-called Strategic Concept document will outline the alliance’s priorities for the coming decade, and is due to be signed off by NATO leaders at a summit in Madrid this week. The previous version, published in 2010, made no mention of China and referred to Russia as a partner, wording that is set to be scrapped.Allies won’t go as far as to call China an adversary, said the people who declined to be named on a confidential issue.
Allies may agree to remain open to engagement with China, the people said. By contrast, Russia is set to be called a “direct threat” to alliance security and any change in relations would depend on Moscow stopping what NATO terms its aggressive behavior and complying with international law.