In a strikingly strong statement, NATO has labeled China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, marking the most severe condemnation of Beijing by the military alliance to date. This rebuke was issued during NATO's summit in Washington, which is celebrating the alliance’s 75th anniversary. The alliance expressed serious concerns over China’s support for Russia and its broader implications for global security.
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| NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addressing the summit, where the alliance condemned China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. |
On Wednesday, NATO’s communiqué accused China of significantly aiding Russia’s war efforts through its so-called “no limits” partnership and substantial support for Russia’s defense industrial base. “The PRC has become a decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” the statement read. This includes allegations of China supplying dual-use materials—such as weapons components and equipment—that contribute directly to Russia’s military capabilities.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the gravity of the situation in his address: “It’s the first time that NATO allies state this so clearly in an agreed document. It cannot continue like this without impacting the interests and reputation of China.”
China’s Alleged Support for Russia
Despite repeated denials from Beijing, China’s trade relations with Russia have remained robust throughout the Ukraine conflict. A CNBC analysis last year revealed that Moscow was sourcing critical technologies through intermediaries, including China. Additionally, earlier this week, Beijing engaged in joint military exercises with Belarus, a close ally of Russia, near the Polish border, highlighting the growing military cooperation between the two nations.
NATO’s New Stance on China
NATO’s critique of China marks a significant shift from previous diplomatic approaches. The alliance now identifies China as posing systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic security, citing issues such as disinformation, space activities, and cyberspace threats. In March, the U.S. and U.K. had accused China of extensive cyber espionage, which the Chinese embassy to the U.K. vehemently denied, labeling the accusations as “malicious slander.”
Furthermore, NATO has expressed alarm over China’s expanding nuclear arsenal. The alliance’s communiqué urged Beijing to engage in risk reduction and transparency to promote stability. According to the Federation of American Scientists, China’s nuclear stockpile, estimated at 500 warheads, is rapidly growing and could soon rival that of Russia and the U.S.
China’s Response
China has strongly rebutted NATO’s accusations. The Chinese mission to the European Union criticized the NATO statement as being rooted in a “Cold War mentality,” accusing the alliance of undermining the international order and spreading falsehoods. “The China-related paragraphs are provocative with obvious lies and smears,” the mission stated, emphasizing Beijing’s rejection of the claims.
Broader Implications
NATO’s strong stance comes amidst a backdrop of increased involvement from Indo-Pacific countries like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea in the alliance’s activities, reflecting a growing global alignment against perceived threats from both Russia and China.
As NATO continues to assess and address these global challenges, the implications of this latest condemnation could have far-reaching effects on international relations and security dynamics.
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