Topline
Chinese government officials on Thursday angrily dismissed NATO’s allegations that it was enabling Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine by supplying it with weapons components—the first time the U.S.-led alliance has formally accused Beijing of providing military support to Moscow.
China's rejected NATO's allegations about enabling Russia's war effort in Ukraine, calling it ... [+]
Key Facts
In a declaration approved by all members of the alliance following a summit of leaders in Washington, NATO said China “has become a decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine through its so-called ‘no limits’ partnership and its large-scale support for Russia’s defence industrial base.”
Speaking to reporters during his daily press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said NATO’s allegations were “biased, slanderous, and provocative” and Beijing has lodged a formal complaint with the alliance on the matter.
Lin dismissed NATO as a Cold War relic and said China has played a “constructive role” in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The spokesperson also implied that the strong NATO statement was based on“falsehoods fabricated by the U.S.” and is an effort to put a wedge between China and Europe.
Earlier on Thursday, the Chinese mission to the European Union had also reacted strongly, calling the NATO statement “obvious lies and smears.”
News Peg
NATO’s declaration urged China to “cease all material and political support to Russia’s war effort,” adding that this included the transfer of dual-use materials (items that have both civilian and military uses) such as “weapons components, equipment, and raw materials.” The declaration also accused China of posing “systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic security,” through activities including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. The statement also flagged concerns about China’s growing space capabilities and nuclear arsenal.
Key Background
Following the G7 summit in Italy last month, the group issued a communique criticizing “China’s ongoing support for Russia’s defense industrial base.” The statement warned that actors in China “including financial institutions” could face sanctions if they continued to “facilitate Russia’s acquisition of items for its defense industrial base.” After a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in April, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called China the “primary contributor” to Russia’s “defense industrial base,” and accused Beijing of sending “machine tools, semiconductors, other dual-use items” to help Moscow’s war efforts. During her visit to China earlier this year, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also flagged concerns about Chinese companies helping Russia’s military procurement efforts.
Further Reading
For First Time, NATO Accuses China of Supplying Russia’s Attacks on Ukraine (New York Times)
China rejects Nato accusations of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine (Financial Times)