NATO Chief warns China: Cease support for Russia or risk Western ties
The NATO Secretary General has stated that China needs to cease its support for Russia if it aspires to maintain favorable relations with Western countries. "China claims to desire good relations with the West, yet it continues to support the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. You can't have it both ways," Jens Stoltenberg remarked.
5:02 AM EDT, April 26, 2024
During a visit to Berlin, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the critical role of Beijing's aid in Moscow's military endeavors, as reported by Reuters Agency. China bolsters the Russian war effort by sharing advanced technology.
"Last year, Russia procured 90 percent of its microelectronics from China," Stoltenberg noted, pointing out their application in missiles, tanks, and aircraft production. He also mentioned China's efforts to enhance Russia's satellite and imaging capabilities.
Choosing between Russia and the West
Stoltenberg asserted that China could not expect to foster positive relations with the West while continuing to back Russia. "China expresses a wish for harmonious relations with the West yet persists in energizing the gravest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. You can't have everything," he evaluated.
Furthermore, the NATO Secretary General cautioned the West about the dangers of becoming reliant on China. He stressed the perils of such dependency, recalling the West's previous oversight with Russian oil and gas. "We've erred in the past by depending on Russian oil and gas," he mentioned. "We must avoid making the same mistake with China. Our dependence on their finances, raw materials, and technology exposes us to vulnerabilities," he elaborated.
