NATO Secretary General warns against potential China threat

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the necessity of sustained arms deliveries to Ukraine on Monday, underscoring China’s position in resolving the ongoing crisis.

Ahead of NATO’s upcoming 75th anniversary summit in July, Stoltenberg’s visit to Washington set the stage for discussions aimed at bolstering the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine amidst escalating tensions.

During his visit, Stoltenberg raised concerns about China’s role in the conflict, alleging that Beijing’s significant export activities were bolstering Russia’s military capabilities. This assertion comes amid accusations from U.S. officials that China’s exports are fueling Russia’s weapons sector, exacerbating the conflict.

US President Joe Biden is currently navigating a challenging reelection campaign against a vocal critic of Western support for Kyiv, Donald Trump. The upcoming summit is expected to reinforce a unified stance of long-term solidarity with Ukraine, signaling unwavering support despite domestic political pressures.

Speaking at the Wilson Center, Stoltenberg criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping for allegedly attempting to downplay China’s involvement in the conflict to evade sanctions and maintain trade relations. In contrast to Western assertions, China has denied providing lethal support to either side in the conflict.

The recent Swiss conference hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored Kyiv’s demands for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory as a precondition for peace negotiations. Russia has expressed willingness to engage in talks while urging Ukrainian troops to vacate areas under its control.

The U.S. Congress’s approval in April of approximately $60 billion in new military aid to Ukraine marked a significant milestone in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression.

This decision, amidst political discord and opposition from some Republican lawmakers, reinforces Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and deterring future threats.

By reinforcing NATO’s coordination efforts in supporting Ukraine, the international community aims to ensure a sustained and collective strategy, independent of individual political agendas. As preparations for the NATO summit continue, the focus remains on strengthening alliances and maintaining stability amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.