NATO leaders have Accused China of Being a "Decisive Enabler" of Russia's War in Ukraine, while the Summit Chose Not to Address the Situation in Gaza

A newly released document alleges that China is worsening the Ukraine conflict through its unrestricted partnership with Russia. 

While NATO and China have previously engaged in verbal disputes, this recent statement represents a significant shift. Issued as part of a communique during NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington, DC on Wednesday, it marks the alliance's first explicit allegations against Beijing regarding the Ukraine conflict, a departure from its previous stance. 

This disputed alliance, announced in February 2022 by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, coincided closely with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

The partnership pledges unbounded friendship and unrestricted cooperation between the two nations, raising concerns about China's support for Russia's defense industry. 

Throughout the conflict in Ukraine, China has remained a steadfast partner of Russia. It has declined to denounce the fighting and, as reported by the United States, is currently in talks to supply weapons to the battlefield. 

NATO leaders call out China as a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war on Ukraine, delivering their sharpest criticism of Beijing yet. During its three-day summit, NATO, under the leadership of US President Joe Biden, announced a series of new commitments to Ukraine. 

"Autocrats want to overturn the global order," Biden stated on Wednesday, adding that "terrorist groups" are plotting "evil schemes". He also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking to wipe "Ukraine off the map". 

The summit declaration details NATO's intention to launch four joint projects alongside its Asia-Pacific allies. These initiatives are designed to bolster Ukraine's support, enhance collaboration in cyber defense, combat disinformation, and cooperate on artificial intelligence. 

"However, let it be clear: Ukraine has the ability and determination to counter Putin, especially with our united and unwavering support," stressed the US leader, as NATO leaders gathered to pledge additional military and financial aid to the conflict-affected European nation, firmly backing Kyiv's future within the alliance. 

China Fires Back 

A spokesperson from the Chinese mission to the European Union restated China's fundamental stance on the Ukraine issue, underscoring its dedication to facilitating peace negotiations and achieving a political resolution. 

The spokesperson criticized the communique for reflecting a "Cold War mentality and aggressive rhetoric." Furthermore, the spokesperson denounced the sections concerning China in the communique, describing them as containing "provocations, falsehoods, incitement, and defamation." 

NATO was also accused of extending its influence into the Asia-Pacific region, potentially escalating tensions and competition, which could jeopardize the region's economic prosperity and stability. 

Gaza Gets Cold Shoulder at Summit 

Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza received little attention at the summit in Washington, DC. 

The 38-point joint communique only acknowledged that "conflict, fragility, and instability in Africa and the Middle East" have an impact on NATO's security. 

However, a few leaders did choose to voice their concerns. 

Yosuf Alabarda, a retired Turkish colonel and analyst, highlighted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent speech where he called out Western leaders for overlooking NATO's principles in Gaza. Erdogan emphasized that while NATO leaders criticize Russia and China for violations, they are turning a blind eye to what he described as a global outcry over the Gaza situation, characterized by a humanitarian crisis. 

Spain also delivered a strong message to its NATO allies, urging the bloc to exhibit the same "unity and consistency" in addressing the Gaza situation as they have shown in dealing with Ukraine. 

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphatically stated to fellow NATO heads of state during an Atlantic Council session, "We cannot be accused of applying double standards that would weaken our support for Ukraine. On the contrary, we demand the same unity and consistency for Gaza as we exhibit in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine."