Muthomi Ireri
NATO has accused China of playing a significant role in Russia’s war in Ukraine and has expressed concern over China’s nuclear and space capabilities. In response, China has warned NATO against “provoking confrontation” regarding its ties with Russia after the Western military alliance labeled Beijing a “decisive enabler” of Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
The warning on Thursday came as NATO leaders met in Washington, DC, pledging to bolster Ukraine and Europe’s defenses against Russia, while also focusing on China. A spokesperson for Beijing’s mission to the European Union urged NATO to “stop hyping up the so-called China threat and provoking confrontation and rivalry, and do more to contribute to world peace and stability.”
China, which has strengthened strategic ties with Russia, has refused to condemn Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Positioning itself as a neutral party in the conflict, China insists it is not providing lethal assistance to either side, unlike the US and other Western nations. Nevertheless, Beijing has provided crucial economic support to Russia, with trade between the two countries booming since the conflict began.
In their final communique on Wednesday, the 32 NATO members expressed “profound concern” over Beijing’s deepening partnership with Moscow. They stated that China has “become a decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine through its ‘no limits’ partnership and its extensive support for Russia’s defense industrial base.” This, they argued, heightens the threat Russia poses to its neighbors and to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO urged China to “cease all material and political support to Russia’s war effort,” warning that enabling the largest war in Europe in recent history would negatively impact China’s interests and reputation.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters that China provides equipment, microelectronics, and tools that enable Russia “to build the missiles, bombs, aircraft, and weapons they use to attack Ukraine.” He highlighted that it was the first time all NATO allies had made such a clear statement in an agreed document.
A Beijing spokesperson dismissed the criticism, stating, “As we all know, China is not the creator of the crisis in Ukraine.” The official described the NATO summit declaration as being full of Cold War mentality and aggressive rhetoric, with China-related content characterized by “provocations, lies, incitement, and smears.”
China reiterated its core position of “promoting peace talks and political settlement,” referring to a 12-point peace plan Beijing issued over a year ago, outlining general principles for ending the war. The plan received a lukewarm reception at the time in both Russia and Ukraine.
Dj Vnyash
Silverio Omari
