China Condemns NATO for Claiming It's Aiding Russian War Effort

Facts

• After NATO accused China of being a 'decisive enabler' of Russia in the Ukraine war and demanded it 'cease all material and political support to Russia's war effort,' China called the accusation 'lies and smears' that demonstrated a 'Cold War mentality.'¹
• NATO's allegations followed reports from US Pres. Joe Biden's admin. that China was providing Russia with computer chips and software applicable to military use, though the administration has not accused it of providing entire weapons systems.²
• China, which has maintained a neutral stance on the war, has accused the US and NATO of instigating it by expanding the alliance eastward. Some NATO members reportedly suggested adding a NATO liaison office in Tokyo while others cautioned against similar moves.¹
• Separately, New Zealand on Thursday announced further sanctions on individuals it says are involved in weapons transfers from Iran and North Korea to Russia.³
• Sweden on Wednesday confirmed that it will send Ukraine ASC 890 surveillance systems, adding that, on top of the F-16s it's sent to Kyiv, it may also send Gripen fighter jets in the future.⁴
• The US also promised on Wednesday to begin stationing long-range missile systems — including SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles as well as hypersonic weapons — in Germany starting from 2026.⁵

Sources: ¹NBC, ²New York Times, ³AA, ⁴UKRINFORM and ⁵TASS.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Atlantic Council. It's no coincidence that Russia chose to ramp up its military efforts by bombing a hospital and its geopolitical efforts — meeting with the leaders of India and Hungary — right before the NATO summit. As Vladimir Putin continues to violate international law in Ukraine, he and his allies in Asia and Eastern Europe are hinting at further authoritarian expansion. The West can only win this war if it responds to these threats now.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Global Times. The US and NATO have had to constantly blame others for their failed mission in Ukraine, the latest scapegoat being China. Beijing, just like the majority of countries around the world, has chosen to remain neutral in the war and thus maintained normal economic ties with Moscow. As China calls for peace and economic normalcy, NATO continues to prolong the war and even expand its presence in Asia through joint projects.

Predictions