Tokyo, April 08 (QNA) - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Tuesday raised concern about China's arms buildup and military drills near Taiwan, emphasizing that it closely monitors this situation.

Upon his visit to the Japanese city of Yokosuka, Secretary-General of NATO, Mark Rutte, called on the NATO member states and friendly nations to work together to keep free and open sea lanes in the region.

He added that China is supporting Russia's efforts and is building up its armed forces, including its navy, at a rapid pace, stressing that NATO members and friendly nations can't be naive, but should work together, and assess what is happening.

The issue of Taiwan, an island in East Asia off the coast of China, remains one of the most geopolitically sensitive matters for Beijing, which regards it as an inseparable part of its sovereign territory.

In addition, China unequivocally pushes back on any separatist attempt or action that are intended to assert Taiwan's independence from the authority of the Chinese central government. (QNA)