NATO urges China to cease supporting Russia in order to improve relations with the West

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg issued a stern warning to China, urging the country to cease its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine if it wants to maintain good relations with the West. Stoltenberg emphasized the crucial role China plays in propping up Russia’s war economy by providing advanced technology, such as semiconductors, used in the production of military equipment.

“China says it wants good relations with the West. At the same time, Beijing continues to fuel the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War Two. They cannot have it both ways,” Stoltenberg stated during a visit to Berlin.

Highlighting the dangers of dependency, Stoltenberg cautioned Western allies against becoming reliant on China, similar to past mistakes made with Russian oil and gas. He emphasized that such dependencies make countries vulnerable to external pressures.

The strengthening trade and military ties between China and Russia have raised concerns among Western nations, especially as sanctions have been imposed on both countries in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trade between China and Russia reached a record high of $240.1 billion in 2023, with Chinese shipments to Russia increasing significantly.

As tensions escalate in the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China in May for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.