La ‘minaccia fantasma’: la Repubblica Popolare Cinese nell’elaborazione politico-strategica della NATO

The article aims to analyze the evolving role of China in NATO’s stra- tegic considerations, tracing the shift from a peripheral issue to a central concern within the Alliance. It examines how the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has transformed from a normative and economic question into a pressing security chal- lenge, influencing NATO’s agenda through its growing global influence, hybrid threats, and alignment with Russia. By exploring key milestones — such as the NATO 2030 initiative and recent summits — the article highlights the strategic recalibration required to address China’s multifaceted challenges while maintain- ing transatlantic unity. Ultimately, it seeks to understand how NATO is adapting to China’s assertiveness in a multipolar, increasingly competitive world order.