"The rise of China poses some opportunities for our economies for trade and we need to engage with China on issues like climate change and arms control," Stoltenberg said on Monday.

Stoltenberg noted that China will soon have the biggest economy in the world and pointed out that Beijing is heavily investing in advanced military capabilities.

However, Stoltenberg emphasized that China does not share NATO's values, so the alliance must work with partners in the Asia Pacific, primarily Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan, to counter Beijing's activities.

NATO leaders will meet in Brussels on June 14 to discuss issues related to China, Russia, cyber security, global terrorism, and climate change, Stoltenberg said.