Nato labels China as Russia's "decisive ally" in the Ukraine conflict
NATO expressed "deep concern" over China's close relations with Moscow. China has become a "decisive supporter" of Russia's "unlimited partnership" and its extensive backing of the Russian defense industry in Russia's war against Ukraine, stated the 32 member-states at the conclusion of the NATO summit.
They called on Beijing to "halt all material and political support" for Russia's attack on Ukraine. The Chinese government has not publicly condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine and continues to provide civil and military useful items to Moscow.
NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg spoke of the "strongest message" to the People's Republic, urging them to reconsider their stance. Potential sanctions are a matter for individual member-states.
China dismissed the NATO accusations. The Alliance should cease "exaggerating the so-called threat from China and provoking confrontation and rivalry," declared a spokesperson for the Chinese mission at the EU on Thursday. It is generally known that "China is not the cause of the Ukraine crisis." The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian called the NATO statements "unjustified and provocative."
China presents itself as a neutral actor regarding the Ukraine War and emphasizes that it is not supplying weapons to Russia. Since the start of the war, China-Russia relations have been intensified. China is an important trading partner for Russia, whose economy is isolated due to Western sanctions.
At their summit in Washington, NATO agreed on military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 40 billion Euros. The money is to flow "within the next year," according to the summit declaration. From the next NATO summit in The Hague in the coming year, members will review whether new commitments are necessary.
After the NATO summit in Washington, all the funds that have flowed since January 1, 2024, will be taken into account. According to diplomats, there are no new demands on Germany. Berlin had already pledged eight billion Euros for this year to Kiev. The NATO partners began delivering the long-promised F-16 fighter jets to Kiev.
The heads of state and government also adopted a plan to secure Ukraine aid even in the event of a victory by Donald Trump in the US presidential election. NATO intends to coordinate its weapons deliveries to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Europe from a new headquarters in the Hessian state capital Wiesbaden. With this, the Europeans are taking on more responsibility from the Americans.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not receive the invitation to join the EU at the summit in Washington. The main reason is the fear of the US and Germany of a confrontation with Russia. The NATO states see Ukraine as being on an "irreversible path" to membership. After the summit, Zelenskyy will meet with the heads of state and government in the NATO-Ukraine Council.
After the summit, US President Joe Biden is expected to speak to the press as the summit host. The appearance is eagerly anticipated. The 81-year-old has been confronted with demands to withdraw from the presidential race since his weak performance in the TV debate against Trump two weeks ago.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will also speak after the summit. He showed himself in Washington ready to assume more responsibility in NATO in the event of a Trump victory in the US presidential election in November.
- The NATO members expressed their concern about China's close relations with Russia, particularly in the context of the Presidential election in the United States.
- At the NATO Summit, the members firmly stated that China has become a decisive supporter of Russia's unlimited partnership and its extensive backing of Russia's armament industry in its war against Ukraine.
- Washington expressed its disagreement with Moscow's actions in Ukraine, aligning itself with NATO's stance.
- In Moscow, Russian officials have not publicly responded to the NATO's criticisms regarding its involvement in the Ukraine-War.
- The European Union also shares NATO's concerns about China, as it is a crucial trading partner for many European countries.
- The NATO Assistant was heavily involved in the negotiations leading up to the summit, ensuring that all member-states were aligned on their stance towards China and Russia.
- After the NATO Summit in Washington, Germany announced new commitments to provide military aid to Ukraine, totaling eight billion Euros.
- In Kiev, Ukrainian officials expressed their gratitude to NATO for its continued support, despite Russia's objections.
- The Assistant to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg played a pivotal role in coordinating the alliance's response to China's close relations with Russia, ensuring that NATO's position was clear and strong.
