BEIJING, May 13. /TASS/. The loss of neutral status by Finland and Sweden over their planned accession to NATO will cause them relatively significant damage in a long-term perspective, says Zhang Guoqing, international issues expert at Chinese Social Studies Academy Institute of US Studies.
"Finland and Sweden have been constantly loitering at NATO’s gates lately, and this finds support among internal political forces, as well as the US and other NATO members," he told TASS. "Although they have yet to undergo a corresponding procedure, their accession to NATO should happen very fast."
"As for these two countries, the loss of neutral status will cause them relatively significant damage," the specialist underscored. "It cannot be seen in a short-term perspective, but in a long-term perspective, their transformation from neutral states to NATO member states will lead to negative consequences.
The discussion regarding Finland’s accession to NATO has intensified in early April. Main members of the alliance supported this idea, and most members of the Finnish parliament favored the accession. Sweden is also considering such option, the ruling Social Democratic Workers’ Party will make a decision on May 15.