China Rejects NATO’s Accusations of Supporting Russia

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has strongly refuted NATO’s recent claims that Beijing is aiding Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. During a call with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, Wang Yi denounced NATO’s “groundless accusations” and cautioned the Western alliance against provoking confrontation.

The dispute arose after NATO leaders convened in Washington, DC, and issued a declaration implicating China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia.

They accused China of providing extensive support to Russia’s defense industry, including dual-use materials that serve both civilian and military functions. Western nations have previously alleged that China has supplied Russia with drone and missile technology, satellite imagery, and other critical resources. According to U.S. estimates, approximately 70% of machine tools and 90% of microelectronics imported by Russia originate from China.

In response, Wang Yi asserted that China “absolutely does not accept” these allegations, insisting that China has always been a force for peace and stability. He criticized NATO for using China’s political system and values as a pretext to incite confrontation, urging the alliance to “stay within its bounds.”

U.S. President Joe Biden, in a press conference on Thursday, discussed potential consequences for China if it continues to support Russia. Biden indicated that European nations might reduce their investments in China as a response to its alleged support for Russia. He emphasized that NATO is exploring new policies to transform the West into an “industrial base” for munitions and to develop advanced weapons systems.

Biden’s comments follow NATO’s ongoing concerns about Russia seeking weapons from China and North Korea. The alliance is determined to enhance its military capabilities and support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Wang Yi’s conversation with Caspar Veldkamp marks the latest in a series of strong rebuttals from Beijing. Earlier, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson accused NATO of spreading “fabricated disinformation,” while China’s mission to the EU urged the alliance to “stop hyping up the so-called China threat.”

China has consistently denied aiding Russia in the war and maintains that it is a neutral party. Beijing has called for an end to the conflict and proposed a peace plan, which Ukraine has rejected. Despite the growing accusations of military support, analysts note that China’s significant purchases of Russian oil and gas have bolstered Russia’s economy amidst international sanctions.

NATO’s recent three-day summit reiterated the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine. Member states pledged to support Ukraine on its path to future NATO membership, emphasizing Ukraine’s “irreversible path” to joining the alliance. The summit concluded with promises of further integration with Ukraine’s military and additional defense aid, including €40 billion ($43.3 billion) in the next year, covering F-16 fighter jets and air defense support.

The escalating tensions between NATO and China underscore the complex dynamics of global geopolitics. As NATO accuses China of aiding Russia, Beijing remains firm in its stance of neutrality and rejects all allegations. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, impacting the future of the Ukraine conflict and global diplomatic relations.