NATO’s summit in Washington between 6-11 July, concluded with a strong rebuke aimed at China, accusing it of enabling Russia’s war in Ukraine by providing significant support. The alliance’s final statement, endorsed by all 32 member nations, marks a notable shift in focus towards China, citing shared security concerns stemming from Russia and its Asian allies.
According to NATO, China’s extensive trade relations with Russia during the conflict indirectly aid Moscow’s military capabilities, despite China’s denial of directly supplying military assistance. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted China’s role in supplying critical technologies that facilitate Russia’s production of weapons used in the Ukrainian conflict, a stance unanimously backed by NATO members in a joint document for the first time.
In response, the Chinese embassy in Washington refuted NATO’s accusations, asserting that China maintains strict controls over dual-use exports and plays no direct role in the Ukraine crisis. The embassy defended China’s trade practices with Russia as compliant with international norms and beneficial to global commerce.
Analysts view NATO’s unified stance as a significant diplomatic move, showcasing solidarity among European nations against Chinese support for Russia, despite China’s efforts to remain neutral. The statement underscores NATO’s broader concerns about China, including cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and its expanding nuclear capabilities.
US President Joe Biden, addressing the summit, emphasized the importance of NATO countering Russia’s military buildup, which he attributed in part to assistance from China, North Korea, and Iran. The summit also saw participation from Indo-Pacific partners like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, reflecting NATO’s efforts to broaden dialogue and cooperation beyond its traditional Euro-Atlantic sphere.
Looking ahead, NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners plan joint initiatives to assist Ukraine, bolster cyber defenses, combat disinformation, and advance artificial intelligence capabilities. These efforts aim to strengthen collective security measures and deepen cooperation on shared security challenges.
NATO’s strong condemnation of China’s support for Russia marks a significant moment in transatlantic relations, highlighting concerns over Beijing’s global influence amidst heightened geopolitical tensions. The summit reaffirms NATO’s commitment to defending democratic values and shared interests in the face of evolving security threats.