Stoltenberg: ‘China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II’

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, ‘China is fueling the biggest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.’ NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made statements at the Wilson Centre, a think tank, during his official visit to the USA. Stoltenberg stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly oppose NATO, saying, ‘Because they know that within NATO, the US has something they do not have. 31 friends and allies.’ Reminding that next month NATO leaders will gather in Washington DC for the NATO Summit, Stoltenberg emphasized that three issues will be at the top of the agenda, including NATO’s core task of deterrence and defense, Ukraine, and especially global partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
‘When the right time comes, Ukraine can join NATO without delay.’ Referring to NATO’s support for Ukraine, Stoltenberg stressed the need to ensure that Putin’s aggression does not yield results neither today nor in the future, saying, ‘That is why at the Summit, we will continue to bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership. Thus, when the right time comes, Ukraine can join NATO without delay.’ Stoltenberg pointed out that the war in Ukraine demonstrates that NATO’s security is not regional but global, especially due to Russia’s support from China and other countries. Beijing shares high-level technologies such as semiconductors and other dual-use products with Moscow, and last year Russia imported 90% of the microelectronic products used in missile, tank, and aircraft production from China.
Stoltenberg emphasized that China’s support allows Russia to bring more death and destruction to Ukraine, strengthen its defense industry, and evade the impact of sanctions and export controls. Stoltenberg stated, ‘Beijing cannot have both.’ He mentioned that Xi tries to create the impression in public opinion that he is staying in the background in the Russia-Ukraine War to avoid sanctions and to maintain trade flow, but the reality is that China is fueling the biggest armed conflict in Europe since World War II while also wanting to maintain good relations with the West. Beijing cannot have both. Unless China changes its course at some point, allies will have to pay a price.
‘I invited the leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to the NATO Summit in Washington DC next month.’ Stoltenberg mentioned that Russia also receives support from North Korea and Iran, revealing that in exchange for the support of North Korea and Iran, Russia benefits from Russian technology. Stoltenberg stated, ‘The increasing rapprochement between Russia and its authoritarian friends in Asia makes it even more important for us to work closely with our friends in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, I invited the leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to the NATO Summit in Washington DC next month. Together, we can uphold the international rules-based order and our common values.’