• China hits back at Nato over Russia accusations labelling them as “groundless accusations”
• Wang warned the Western alliance against provoking confrontation, stating that China has always been a force for peace and stability
• His remarks followed a NATO declaration accusing China of aiding Russia’s defence industry

China hits back at Nato over Russia accusations

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has dismissed NATO’s claims that Beijing is supporting Russia in the Ukraine war, labelling them as “groundless accusations.” Wang warned the Western alliance against provoking confrontation, stating that China has always been a force for peace and stability. His remarks followed a NATO declaration accusing China of aiding Russia’s defence industry and called for an end to such support.

During a call with Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, Wang reiterated China’s stance, denying any material or political support for Russia’s war effort. He also criticised NATO for using China’s political system and values as a pretext for incitement. This response from Beijing is part of a broader rebuttal, with officials accusing NATO of spreading disinformation and hyping up the so-called China threat.

China maintains that it is a neutral party in the conflict, advocating for peace and proposing a plan that Ukraine has rejected. Despite these claims, China’s significant purchases of Russian oil and gas have been seen as bolstering Russia’s economy amid sanctions. Beijing’s official rhetoric often aligns with Moscow’s, and President Xi Jinping has upheld a strong partnership with President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, NATO concluded its summit with a reaffirmed commitment to Ukraine, pledging €40 billion in aid and further military integration. The alliance supports Ukraine’s future NATO membership and has promised additional resources, including F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems.

Nato Washington Summit Declaration – China responds to accusations – video

“The @NATO #Washington Summit Declaration is filled with Cold War mentality and belligerent rhetoric. The China-related paragraphs are provocative, with obvious lies and smears," spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the #EU @ChinaEUMission said on Thursday, "We firmly reject… pic.twitter.com/61104B0dwP

— Ifeng News (@IFENG__official) July 11, 2024