"We must expand the range of nations with whom we engage; NATO needs to better understand China and define areas where we can work together to guarantee peace and stability. That is why I believe we need to hold a more active dialogue with China," he said.

While laying out a strategic vision for NATO, Rasmussen told an audience at the headquarters of think-tank Chatham House that he wanted "an alliance that is globally aware, globally connected, and globally capable."Rasmussen said NATO's focus should be raised from European or Atlantic perspectives and take note of global issues in his speech entitled "Delivering Security in the 21st century."The top NATO diplomat said that the economies and security of NATO nations were globalized, and the approach to security had to be globalized too.

Cooperative security was fundamental to NATO's way of doing business, and NATO "must be able, and willing, to engage politically and militarily with other nations, wherever they may be."At a time of global risks and threats, delivering security should be a cooperative effort, said Rasmussen, adding, "this means NATO must continue to strengthen its connection with other countries and organizations around the globe."