NATO leaders have watched the war in Ukraine and learned not to underestimate Russia. They say the conflict has demonstrated what they called their "dangerous dependency" on Russian gas. And they want to avoid repeating those mistakes with China.

NATO foreign ministers wrapped up a two-day meeting in Romania on Wednesday. They acknowledged that their alliance brings together Europe and North America but say the threats they face are global.

NATO leaders agreed in June that China's policies challenge their "interests, security and values." Now, they say they want to be "clear-eyed" about relying on China for their supply chains, technology and infrastructure.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, "We will continue, of course, to trade and engage economically with China. But we have to be aware of our dependencies, reduce our vulnerabilities and manage the risks."

NATO diplomats are also uneasy about Chinese military ambitions and choice of partners.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "The members of our alliance remain concerned by the PRC's coercive policies, by its use of disinformation, by its rapid, opaque military buildup, including its cooperation with Russia."

The foreign ministers got a reminder of that cooperation even as they met. Chinese and Russian forces on Wednesday conducted joint patrols over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea. In an unprecedented move, the planes landed in each other's airfields.