Nevertheless, the 2010 “Strategic Concept” made no mention whatsoever of China (NATO 2010). Greater investment and attention on the part of NATO members should be more of a stabilizing force. Nevertheless, they are wary of any steps undertaken by NATO members in their own region that could be provocative and escalatory. To avoid misunderstandings, NATO members and the AP4 should consider their expectations in the event of such a contingency. For various reasons, the idea of the office – originally proposed in Tokyo – was rejected by NATO members at the last NATO Summit.
