China slams NATO’s ‘provocations, lies, smears’ over its Russia ties
Al Jazeera
NATO accuses China of playing a key role in Russia’s war in Ukraine and expresses concern over its nuclear and space capabilities.
China has warned NATO against “provoking confrontation” over its ties with Russia after the Western military alliance accused Beijing of being a “decisive enabler” of Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
The warning on Thursday came as NATO leaders meeting in Washington, DC, promised to bolster Ukraine and Europe’s defences against Russia and made clear that China was also becoming a focus of the alliance.
A spokesperson for Beijing’s mission to the European Union said NATO should “stop hyping up the so-called China threat and provoking confrontation and rivalry, and do more to contribute to world peace and stability”.
China, which has deepened strategic ties with Russia, has refused to condemn Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. It has presented itself as a neutral party in the war and says it is not sending lethal assistance to either side, unlike the US and other Western nations.
Beijing, however, has offered a critical lifeline to Russia’s isolated economy, with trade booming since the conflict began.
