NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, has issued a stern warning to China, stating that Beijing could face significant repercussions if it continues to support Russia’s war in Ukraine without altering its current stance. In an exclusive interview with the BBC during his visit to Washington, Stoltenberg criticized China for attempting to balance its support for Russia with maintaining relationships with European allies, a strategy he believes is unsustainable.
“China is trying to get it both ways,” Stoltenberg remarked. “This cannot work in the long run.”
Stoltenberg’s comments come amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, with Russia showing no indication of de-escalation. Despite a recent peace summit in Switzerland, where numerous nations pledged support for Kyiv, Russia dismissed the efforts, stating it would only consider peace talks if Ukraine essentially surrendered.
Addressing NATO’s potential responses to China’s support for Russia, Stoltenberg mentioned that there is an “ongoing conversation” about possible sanctions. He pointed out that China is providing Russia with critical technologies, such as microelectronics, which are essential for producing missiles and other weapons used against Ukraine. “At some stage, we should consider some kind of economic cost if China doesn’t change their behavior,” he asserted.
The United States has already implemented some sanctions against China for its support of Russia, announcing restrictions last month targeting approximately 20 firms based in China and Hong Kong. China, however, has defended its commercial activities with Russia, insisting that it is not selling lethal arms and that it “prudently handles the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations.”
Stoltenberg’s trip to Washington coincided with the Kremlin’s confirmation that President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea on Tuesday, following his visit to China last month. Since the onset of its full-scale war with Ukraine in 2022, Russia has become increasingly isolated on the global stage. Putin has responded by strengthening ties with authoritarian leaders worldwide, including those in Iran, Beijing, and North Korea.
“Russia right now is aligning more and more with authoritarian leaders,” Stoltenberg noted. He highlighted North Korea’s role in supplying artillery shells to Russia, with Russia reciprocating by providing advanced technology for North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. “So North Korea is helping Russia to conduct a war of aggression against Ukraine,” he added.
Stoltenberg’s interview covered a range of topics, including nuclear weapons and defense spending, underscoring the broad and interconnected challenges facing NATO and its allies. His remarks reflect a growing urgency within NATO to address the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by the Ukraine conflict and the shifting alliances it has prompted.