Even China Cuts Ties? NATO Furious Over Statement Calling China a 'Decisive Ally of Russia'

China: "No Lethal Weapons Provided to Conflict Countries"

Leaders of NATO member countries issued a joint statement identifying China as a decisive enabler of Russia's war in Ukraine, prompting China to retaliate by accusing NATO of spreading 'disinformation.'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Zhen criticized at a briefing on the 11th, saying, "NATO's 'Washington DC Summit' declaration exaggerates tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and is filled with Cold War mentality and belligerent rhetoric, with content related to China full of prejudice, smearing, and provocation." Earlier, after holding a summit in Washington DC on the 10th (local time), NATO member country leaders released a joint statement criticizing China as a decisive enabler of Russia, stating that due to China's support, the threat Russia poses to its neighbors and to European and Atlantic security has increased.

Spokesperson Lin raised his voice, saying, "NATO's exaggerated propaganda of success and strength poses an extremely great risk to the world, and creating imaginary enemies to expand authority beyond borders is NATO's familiar tactic," adding, "By maintaining a wrong stance on China, NATO smears China's domestic and foreign policies." In particular, he argued, "NATO's propaganda blaming China for the Ukraine issue is sinister in intent," and "NATO continues to openly provoke China-Europe relations and destroy China-Europe cooperation by spreading fabricated disinformation concocted by the United States without any evidence."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, the Chinese delegation to the European Union (EU) stated that "China has never provided lethal weapons to any party involved in the conflict and has strictly controlled dual-use military and civilian items, including the export of civilian drones," adding, "Normal trade exchanges between China and Russia are not aimed at any third party and should not be subject to external interference or threats."

China also escalated its offensive regarding NATO's announcement at this summit to strengthen ties with key Pacific countries such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Spokesperson Lin said, "NATO is reaching out to Asia-Pacific and countries surrounding China, as well as U.S. allies, to strengthen military and security ties and align with the Indo-Pacific strategy implemented by the United States," asserting, "This act harms China's interests and disrupts peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, already provoking questions and opposition from countries within the region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.