NATO sets difficult conditions for China

According to Mr. Stoltenberg, China’s help is important for Russia’s military operation in Ukraine because Beijing is boosting Russia’s economy through sharing high-end technologies such as semiconductors.

According to Reuters news agency, Mr. Stoltenberg emphasized: “Last year, Russia imported 90% of microelectronic equipment from China, used to produce missiles, tanks and aircraft. China is also making efforts. providing Russia with quality satellite imagery and capabilities.”

NATO Secretary General added: “China says it wants a good relationship with the West. At the same time, Beijing continues to fuel the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II . They cannot have both.”

Mr. Stoltenberg also warned Western allies not to be as dependent on China as they were on Russia. NATO Secretary General emphasized: “In the past, we made mistakes by depending on Russian oil and gas. We must not repeat that mistake with China. Dependent on money, raw materials, technology Their technology will leave us vulnerable.”

China has strengthened trade and military ties with Russia in recent years as the United States and its allies imposed sanctions on both, especially Russia, over the conflict in Ukraine.

Chinese customs data shows China-Russia trade hit a record $240.1 billion in 2023, up 26.3% from a year earlier. Chinese shipments to Russia increased 46.9% in 2023 while imports from Russia increased 13%.

In related developments, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on April 26. Items on the agenda include China’s alleged support for Russia’s defense industry as well as tensions in the East Sea.

The US Secretary of State is also scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping on the same day.

Blinken’s three-day visit to China is part of the two countries’ efforts to stabilize relations despite disagreements on many issues amid growing competition.