China has issued a stern warning to NATO following accusations from the Western military alliance that Beijing is a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The warning, delivered on Thursday, came as NATO leaders gathered in Washington, DC, where they pledged to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and bolster Europe’s security against Russia, while also highlighting China as a growing focus of concern for the alliance.
A spokesperson for China’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.”
Despite deepening strategic ties with Russia, China has maintained neutrality in the conflict, refusing to condemn Moscow’s invasion and asserting that it does not provide lethal assistance to either side, unlike Western nations.
NATO’s final communique from the summit expressed “profound concern” over China’s increasing partnership with Russia, stating that Beijing has played a critical role in supporting Russia’s defense industry, which enhances the threat Russia poses to its neighbors and Euro-Atlantic security.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted that China supplies critical equipment and technologies to Russia, enabling Moscow to strengthen its military capabilities used in the conflict with Ukraine. This marked the first time NATO allies collectively articulated such concerns in an official document.
In response, China’s spokesperson dismissed NATO’s criticism as reflective of Cold War mentality and belligerent rhetoric, emphasizing that China advocates for peace talks and a political settlement in Ukraine. They criticized NATO’s declaration as provocative and filled with lies and smears against China.
NATO’s summit also reiterated concerns over China’s systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic security, including cyber and hybrid activities, as well as its nuclear arsenal expansion and space capabilities. The alliance emphasized that discussions about China focus on responding to its political, economic, and technological influence in Europe.
The summit included leaders from NATO’s Asia Pacific partners, underscoring strengthened cooperation amid shared concerns over China’s assertiveness in regional waters. NATO and its Asia Pacific partners announced plans for joint projects to support Ukraine, enhance cyber defense, counter disinformation, and advance artificial intelligence capabilities, aimed at bolstering collective security interests.
