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Ukraine war: US urges Nato partners to stay wary of China over its support for Russia
- Clear that Beijing has ‘picked sides’ by supplying Moscow dual-use components for conflict, says Washington’s envoy to transatlantic security alliance
- Remarks meant to bolster European resolve delivered ahead of top US diplomat Antony Blinken’s meeting with Nato foreign ministers
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Khushboo Razdanin Washington
Washington has painted for its military allies across the Atlantic Ocean a stark picture of China’s role in supporting Russia’s war with Ukraine, arguing Beijing should not be able to boost Moscow while seeking to enjoy normal ties across Europe.
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US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell briefed Nato counterparts in Brussels this week, highlighting Beijing’s assistance to Moscow “through the provision of dual-use components that are in essence enabling Russia to execute this war inside Ukraine”, according to Julianne Smith, US permanent representative to Nato, on Wednesday.
Campbell, formerly a national security adviser to US President Joe Biden on Indo-Pacific affairs, at his meeting on Tuesday said China’s objective extended beyond merely backing Russia.
Beijing sought to publicly downplay its support for Moscow, the envoy said, while trying to maintain normal diplomatic and economic relations with Europe.
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Describing the meeting inside Nato headquarters as a “really critical moment”, Smith said the US, its partners and allies were doing “everything” to call out such support.
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