Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned Friday about deepening ties between China and Russia, asking countries which believe in freedom and democracy to united to withstand authoritarian powers.
Following the Russian operation in Ukraine, China tried to position itself as a neutral state, however, simultaneously it’s deepened ties with Moscow, along with this it has still not condemned the invasion.
Stoltenberg, who is attending the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, said NATO was “following closely the increased and stronger relationship between China and Russia”.
The two countries were conducting military exercises together, as well as air and naval patrols, he said.
He added, “When authoritarian powers are coming closer and working more closely together, it’s even more important that all of us that believe in democracy and freedom stand together in NATO, and with our partners throughout the world.”
Western powers concerned over Russia, China deepening ties
Stoltenberg maintained that Beijing was watching the war in Ukraine closely.
He elaborated, “If President (Vladimir) Putin wins there, it will impact the calculations and decisions they will make in Beijing,” he said.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has raised fears among Western powers that China could try to make a similar move in Taiwan.
The Munich Security Conference, which started on Friday, is being attended by world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, US Vice President Kamala Harris, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and China’s top diplomat Wang Yi.
