NATO needs to understand the implications of China's rise as Beijing expands its power around the world, including areas that may challenge members of the North Atlantic security body, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

China's increasing assertiveness, including in the South China Sea, has raised concerns about its intentions, and the United States has called on NATO to recognize and adapt to new emerging threats, including China.

"This is not about moving NATO into the Pacific, but this is about responding to the fact that China is coming closer to us," Stoltenberg said in an interview in Sydney.