Sweden's NATO accession stirs geopolitical tension in Baltic Sea

After nearly two years of effort, Sweden became the 32nd member of NATO on Thursday (March 7th), Greenwich Mean Time.

- Together with our closest allies, we will defend freedom. The security situation in the region has been the most serious since World War II. Russia is considered a threat, which is precisely why Sweden applied to join NATO - announced Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on this historic day for our country.

"Sweden's NATO membership will not only boost the Alliance's operational capabilities in the Baltic Sea but will also substantially benefit the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Renowned as a dependable partner in the region for arms deals, Sweden's inclusion in NATO further solidifies its stance, " states the Institute of Central Europe analysis.

Dong Yifan, a researcher at the Chinese Institute of International Contemporary Relations, views the situation in the Baltic Sea much less optimistically.

In his analysis, Yifan suggests that the addition of Sweden to NATO, following Finland since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, will, from a geostrategic perspective, heighten the clash between Russia and the West. "With Finland and Sweden joining NATO, there are no longer neutral countries in the Baltic region, effectively surrounding Russia's access to the sea with alliance members" - we read.

The researcher from China believes that NATO's enlargement and the resulting scepticism towards Russia will increase military pressure on Moscow. This, in turn, will compel Vladimir Putin to initiate appropriate military responses to the perceived threats. Consequently, this will perpetuate a "vicious cycle of military tensions, hindering both parties' ability to make rational decisions and manage crises effectively".

Source: Institute of Central Europe, CGTN, WP News