At its 75th anniversary summit in Washington, NATO leaders publicly criticised China’s military backing for Russia, using their most forceful language yet. They identified China as a critical contributor to Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine.
The Wednesday night declaration elaborated on China’s provision of dual-purpose resources, including weaponry components, equipment and raw materials utilised in Russia’s military sector.
In an effort to foster mutual concern over the burgeoning defence alliance, the United States pre-briefed NATO partners about China’s role.
Furthermore, the NATO statement identified China’s “systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic security”, which include disinformation, cyber activities and the expansion of counter-space technology.
The defence alliance denounced all those prolonging what they labelled Russia’s war in Ukraine and urged all nations to refrain from assisting Russia’s bellicosity.
In rebuttal, a spokesperson for the Chinese mission to the European Union decried NATO’s declaration, stating it was filled with pugnacious language, feints, fabrications and was evocative of Cold War attitudes. They stated China did not instigate the Ukrainian crisis and criticised the declaration’s content about China as a provocation and fake news.
While US officials believe that China has refrained from supplying direct weaponry and artillery to Russia, they postulate that doing so would indicate an extraordinary escalation. This could potentially provoke stronger reactions, such as sanctions against the world’s second-largest economy.
Despite the reassurance, a sense of apprehension prevailed amongst European capitals upon hearing news this month of Chinese and Russian corporations producing an assault drone similar to an Iranian make used in Ukraine. This news was initially brought into light by Bloomberg.
NATO’s initiative underlines the increasing agreement between the United States and its allies about the risk Beijing imposes; a risk not just in Asia but also to the security of Europe through its aid to Russia. Over the past few years, European powerhouses such as Berlin and London, together with Prague and Vilnius, have become more resolute in their views about China.
Over a year ago, China presented a 12-point paper that detailed broad strategies for halting the war, yet did not venture into particulars. The proposal was given a half-hearted response at the time, both in Russia and Ukraine.
China, in return, has consistently come down hard on NATO’s criticisms and cautioned against its extended influence into the Asia-Pacific region. This was reported by various agencies.