By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
NATO's Stance on China
NATO leaders declared China a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine, marking a firm stance on Beijing's involvement and the “systemic challenges” it poses to member countries’ security. This declaration, issued at the alliance's 75th anniversary summit in Washington hosted by President Joe Biden, highlights China's “no limits” partnership with Russia and its substantial support for Russia’s defense industrial base, urging Beijing to halt all material and political support to Moscow.
Concerns Over Dual Use Goods and Cyber Activities
The US and European leaders have recently accused China of bolstering Russia’s defense sector by exporting dual use goods, a claim Beijing denies, asserting it maintains strict controls on such items. The NATO leaders also voiced heightened concerns over China’s growing capabilities and activities in outer space, its “malicious cyber and hybrid activities” like disinformation, and its rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal. They emphasized openness to constructive engagement with China to ensure transparency and safeguard the alliance’s security interests while boosting resilience and preparedness against China’s coercive tactics.
Increased Engagement with Asia Pacific Allies
NATO’s declaration underscores the alliance's evolving focus, linking its security interests to the Asia Pacific region. The summit saw participation from leaders of New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, reflecting closer ties and shared security concerns. This shift demonstrates NATO’s expanding engagement with US allies in Asia, despite divergent policies toward China among member countries.
China's Deepening Ties with Russia
Since President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared a “no limits” partnership in February 2022, Beijing has strengthened political, economic, and military ties with Moscow. China has become Russia’s top trade partner, providing crucial economic support as Russia faces heavy sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. Despite claiming neutrality and positioning itself as a potential peace broker, China has faced increasing alarm from US and European leaders over its economic and diplomatic backing of Moscow, including the provision of dual use goods. In response to NATO’s criticism, China condemned the statement as filled with “Cold War mentality and belligerent rhetoric,” defending its trade with Russia as “normal” and denying the provision of lethal weapons.
NATO's Concerns and Sanctions
US and European leaders have raised concerns that China’s dual use exports are revitalizing Russia’s defense sector, enabling the production of military equipment despite international sanctions. Both the US and the EU have sanctioned Chinese entities alleged to be supporting Russia's war effort. In a statement, China’s mission to the European Union reiterated its position of promoting peace talks and denied involvement in the conflict, while China's Foreign Ministry condemned NATO, labeling the alliance a “great threat” and accusing it of “fanning the flames” of the war in Ukraine.
NATO's Evolving Stance on China
The NATO leaders’ latest declaration marks a continued hardening of the bloc's stance on China, a process that began in 2019 when NATO first acknowledged the "opportunities and challenges" posed by China. By 2021, NATO referred to these as "systemic challenges." This shift aligns with the increased US focus on the Indo Pacific region amid a growing rivalry with Beijing, as China under Xi Jinping has adopted a more aggressive stance in its regional and broader foreign policies.
Geopolitical Tensions and Security Concerns
NATO’s focus on Asia has intensified over the past two and a half years due to geopolitical fault lines deepened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its closer ties with China, North Korea, and Iran. NATO leaders recently condemned Pyongyang and Tehran for providing direct military support to Russia, including North Korea’s exports of artillery shells and ballistic missiles. Emphasizing the Indo Pacific's significance, NATO aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to address cross regional challenges, particularly in supporting Ukraine, cyber defense, countering disinformation, and technology.
China's Response to NATO's Actions
China has observed NATO’s increasing engagement with Asia Pacific powers with apprehension, seeking to assert its dominance in the region and counter the US presence. Both China and Russia oppose NATO, aspiring to reshape a world order they perceive as dominated by the US. They blame NATO for provoking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In response, China’s EU mission urged NATO to correct its perception of China, abandon the Cold War mentality, and avoid becoming a disruptor of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific, emphasizing the region's need for peaceful development over geopolitical competition.
