China lashes out at Nato’s ‘groundless accusations’ over Russia

Foreign minister urges security alliance not to ‘incite confrontation’ after Beijing labelled ‘decisive enabler’ of Russia’s war in Ukraine

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Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Nato made “groundless accusations” against China that it will never accept. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:31pm, 12 Jul 2024

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China would not accept “groundless accusations” after Nato leaders called Beijing a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

In a phone call with his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp on Thursday, Wang urged Nato not to “incite confrontation” with China or interfere in its affairs in response to a Nato joint declaration issued after its summit in Washington.

Wang said Nato “made groundless accusations against China, which China will never accept”, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

Nato leaders put on a united front against Russia and China at the summit. Photo: Handout via Xinhua

“On issues of peace and security, China is a major country with the best record in the world and has always been a force for peace and stability in the international community,” Wang said.

“China and Nato countries have different political systems and values, but this should not be a reason for Nato to incite confrontation with China … Nato should abide by its duties and not interfere in Asia-Pacific affairs, interfere in China’s internal affairs, and not challenge China’s legitimate rights and interests.”

He said China was willing to maintain contact with Nato on the basis of “equality” and “mutual respect”.

The transatlantic security alliance put on a united front against Russia and China this week. In the joint declaration, Nato leaders for the first time denounced Beijing’s support for Moscow and urged it to “cease all material and political support” for Russia.