China accuses NATO of ‘inciting confrontation’ after criticism of Beijing-Moscow ties

NATO leaders, meeting at a summit in Washington on Wednesday, expressed “deep concern” about the rapprochement between Russia and China. They denounced Beijing’s support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine.

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Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, in Washington, DC, on July 10, 2024. (JAKUB PORZYCKI / NURPHOTO / AFP)

China urged NATO on Thursday, July 11, to stop “to incite confrontation“between blocs after virulent criticism of the Atlantic alliance, accusing Beijing of providing crucial assistance to Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine.

NATO leaders, meeting at a summit in Washington on Wednesday, expressed their “deep concerns” in the face of the rapprochement between Russia and China. They denounced Beijing’s support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine, according to a final statement.

China “now plays a decisive role in Russia’s war against Ukraine,” they added, calling Beijing“in its capacity as a permanent member of the UN Security Council (…) to cease materially and politically supporting the Russian war effort.”

Beijing on Thursday expressed its “strong discontent” and denounced NATO’s positioning “imbued with a Cold War mentality and belligerent rhetoric,” according to a statement from the spokesperson of the Chinese mission to the European Union.

“NATO should stop hyping up the so-called Chinese threat, stop inciting confrontation and rivalry, and contribute more to world peace and stability,” he stressed, denouncing remarks “full” of “slander”.

China calls for peace talks, has pledged not to supply weapons to Russia, and calls for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries – including Ukraine. But it has never condemned Moscow for its invasion.

“We have never supplied lethal weapons to either side of the conflict and we exercise strict control over exports of dual-use products, including civilian drones.”assured the spokesperson.


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