NATO leaders declared at their summit in Washington on Wednesday that China has become a significant enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine. They expressed deep concern over Beijing's "no limits" partnership and substantial support for Russia's defense industry.
In response, a spokesperson for Beijing's mission to the European Union criticized NATO for exaggerating the China threat and provoking conflict, urging the alliance to focus on promoting global peace and stability. The spokesperson asserted that China is not responsible for the Ukraine crisis and maintained that China's stance on Ukraine is transparent.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev condemned NATO's promise to grant eventual membership to Ukraine, suggesting that Russia should aim for the dissolution of both Ukraine and NATO. He quoted NATO's declaration, which supports Ukraine's integration into NATO, and stated in Russian that Ukraine's path to NATO should end with the disappearance of either Ukraine or NATO.
The Kremlin supported Medvedev's remarks, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announcing that Russia is planning response measures to counter the "very serious threat" from NATO. Peskov emphasized that NATO is now fully involved in the Ukraine conflict.
Medvedev, once seen as a pro-Western modernizer, has taken a more hawkish stance since the start of the war in Ukraine. He has repeatedly warned that Western support for Ukraine could lead to a nuclear apocalypse. While any decision on the use of nuclear weapons would be made by President Vladimir Putin, Medvedev's views reflect the hawkish sentiment within the Kremlin.
China has refused to condemn Russia's invasion and last year proposed a political settlement to the conflict, which Western countries criticized as enabling Russia to retain occupied territories in Ukraine. China and Russia have strengthened their strategic partnership since the invasion, with China presenting itself as a neutral party while not providing lethal assistance to either side.
China's economic support has been crucial for Russia's isolated economy, with trade between the two nations increasing since the conflict began. However, this partnership has faced scrutiny from the West, with the United States and Europe accusing China of supplying components and equipment to support Russia's military production.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in April that China had provided machine tools, semiconductors, and other dual-use items that helped Russia rebuild its defense industrial base, which sanctions had aimed to degrade. China has denied aiding Russia's war efforts and rejected criticism over its ties with Moscow.
On Thursday, China's foreign ministry accused NATO of prejudice and provocation, arguing that NATO's claims about China's role in Ukraine were unjustified and malicious. Spokesperson Lin Jian urged NATO to reflect on its own actions, listen to the international community, and take steps to de-escalate the situation instead of blaming others.
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