Wang Yi Rebuts NATO's Claims as "Groundless" During Call with Dutch Foreign Minister
China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, has fiercely rebuffed NATO's accusations of Beijing supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. In a call with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, Wang condemned NATO's allegations as "groundless" and cautioned the Western alliance against further provocation.
This response followed a recent NATO summit in Washington, DC, where leaders criticized China’s role in the war, labeling Beijing a “decisive enabler” of Russia through substantial support for its defense industry. NATO urged China to cease all material and political aid to Russia, including dual-use items that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
Western countries have accused China of transferring drone and missile technology, as well as satellite imagery, to Moscow. The US estimates that a significant portion of Russia's imported machine tools and microelectronics come from China. Additionally, Beijing faces accusations of engaging in cyber activities and spreading disinformation against NATO states.
Wang reiterated during his conversation with Veldkamp that China "absolutely does not accept" these accusations, asserting that China has "always been a force for peace and stability." He emphasized that NATO should not use China's political system and values to incite confrontation and called for the alliance to "stay within its bounds."
Earlier, China's foreign ministry spokesperson labeled NATO’s accusations as “fabricated disinformation,” and Beijing’s mission to the EU urged the alliance to “stop hyping up the so-called China threat.” China insists it remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict, despite allegations of military support and substantial purchases of Russian oil and gas.
Observers note that China's official stance often aligns with Moscow's, with President Xi Jinping maintaining a close relationship with President Vladimir Putin. Beijing has also accused the US and its allies of escalating the conflict by supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine, which have been used to strike targets inside Russia.
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