In a stern warning, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the necessity for China to cease its support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine if it desires to maintain amicable relations with the West. Speaking during a visit to Berlin, Stoltenberg highlighted China’s pivotal role in aiding Moscow’s war efforts, particularly through the provision of advanced technologies like semiconductors. He underscored the significance of this support, noting its contribution to Russian military capabilities and its impact on exacerbating the conflict in Ukraine.
Stoltenberg cautioned against China’s dual approach of expressing intentions for positive relations with the West while simultaneously fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. He urged Western allies to avoid repeating past mistakes of over-reliance on Russia by becoming too dependent on China for funds, resources, and technology, which could compromise their resilience.
Recent years have witnessed strengthened trade and military ties between China and Russia, especially in light of sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trade between China and Russia reached $240.1 billion in 2023, with significant increases in both exports to and imports from Russia. Amid Ukraine’s ammunition shortage and sustained Russian aggression, US officials have issued increasingly severe warnings regarding China’s role in bolstering Russia’s military-industrial complex.
Stoltenberg’s remarks echo sentiments expressed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized China’s significant contributions to Russia’s military capabilities. Blinken, speaking after a G7 ministerial meeting in Italy, emphasized the incompatibility of China’s assistance to Russia with maintaining positive relations with Europe.