WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday warned China to stop its support for Russia’s defense industry, stating it prolongs the Ukraine war and must come to an immediate halt.
During a joint news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Blinken reiterated concerns over China’s crucial role in sustaining Russia’s military capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“China’s support allows Russia to maintain its defense industrial base, sustain its war efforts, and perpetuate the conflict. So that has to stop,” Blinken asserted, emphasizing the urgency of China changing its stance.
Stoltenberg echoed Blinken’s sentiments, underscoring that China cannot maintain normal trade relations with Europe while simultaneously backing Russia in what he described as the largest armed conflict on the European continent since World War II.
“China cannot have it both ways,” Stoltenberg stated firmly, stressing the need for consequences if Beijing continues to support Moscow’s actions.
The NATO Secretary General highlighted the strategic partnership between China and Russia, which has strengthened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He pointed out that China’s assistance, including exports of dual-use semiconductors and satellite capabilities, enables Russia to evade international sanctions and bolster its military capabilities.
Beijing presents itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine war and says it is not sending lethal assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations that have provided key military support to help Kyiv combat Moscow’s invasion.
China and Russia’s strategic partnership has only grown closer since Moscow launched the invasion in February 2022, with Beijing offering a critical lifeline to Russia’s isolated economy.
Stoltenberg’s remarks come ahead of NATO’s summit scheduled in Washington from July 9 to 11, where leaders are expected to discuss strategies to counterbalance global security challenges, particularly in light of China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
“China’s alignment with authoritarian regimes poses significant challenges, necessitating closer collaboration with allies in the Indo-Pacific,” Stoltenberg remarked, outlining NATO’s strategic priorities in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The NATO Secretary General emphasized the importance of international solidarity in addressing the repercussions of China’s support for Russia, stressing that NATO allies must act decisively to safeguard European security and uphold international norms.
