NATO leaders held a summit in Washington DC from July 9 to 11. According to a draft joint communique seen by foreign media, NATO leaders pointed out in the communique that the Chinese Communist Party is aiding Russia’s war machine, describing this support as a “decisive” factor in Russia’s ability to sustain the conflict in Ukraine.
The draft joint communique, as reported by Bloomberg, stated that the Chinese Communist Party poses a “systemic challenge” to the European-Atlantic security system, including activities in cyberspace, dissemination of disinformation, and the development of anti-space capabilities.
The draft also detailed how the Chinese Communist Party provides dual-use military-civilian materials to the Russian defense sector, such as weapon components, equipment, and raw materials.
Sources informed Bloomberg that the U.S. briefed NATO allies on China’s support for Russia, aiming to strengthen allies’ common concerns over the rapidly evolving defense relations between China and Russia.
Reuters also reviewed the draft joint communique.
The draft indicates that NATO countries plan to provide Ukraine with at least 40 billion euros next year and establish a mechanism to coordinate the provision of military equipment and training to Ukraine. Additionally, allies will commit to supporting Ukraine’s full integration into the European-Atlantic system, including potential NATO membership. An invitation to Ukraine to join NATO will be issued if allied conditions are met and agreed upon.
The draft communique also discusses the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to NATO, as developments in that area directly impact European-Atlantic security. NATO welcomes enhanced cooperation with Asia-Pacific partners to support Ukraine.
This summit marks the third consecutive year that NATO leaders have invited counterparts from Indo-Pacific partners such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to participate.
The draft mentions NATO’s concerns about China’s space capabilities and activities, urging China to engage in discussions on reducing strategic risks.
Before the final version of the joint communique is released at the conclusion of the summit on Thursday, specific measures in the draft can still be subject to changes. In NATO’s new strategy in 2022, the challenge posed by China was incorporated for the first time, portraying China as a “systemic challenge.”
During the NATO 75th anniversary summit on Wednesday, Biden stated that Russia is “in a war-footing posture in defense production.”
“They are ramping up dramatically in weapons, ammunition, and vehicles, and it’s with the help of China, North Korea, and Iran,” Biden said.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of aiding Ukraine against Russia. He mentioned that if Russia wins the war in Ukraine, it will embolden leaders of other authoritarian countries like China and North Korea.
In a report dated July 2, Bloomberg cited sources saying that Chinese and Russian companies are developing an attack drone similar to Iran’s “Witness” drone deployed in Ukraine, indicating that Beijing may be nearing providing such lethal weapon assistance warned by Western officials.
In April this year, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with senior Chinese officials during a visit to China and expressed the strongest terms of U.S. condemnation toward Chinese support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He pointed out directly that without Chinese support, Russia’s attack on Ukraine would be difficult to sustain. He explained that China is the largest supplier of crucial materials such as machine tools, microelectronics, nitrocellulose (essential for manufacturing ammunition and rocket propellants), and other dual-use products. Russia is utilizing these products to strengthen its defense industrial base, which is producing rockets, drones, tanks, and other weapons. Russia is using these weapons to invade a sovereign nation.
During his meeting with Chinese officials, Blinken also hinted that the U.S. and Europe are losing patience with Beijing’s refusal to stop supporting Russia.
He stated that European allies are deeply concerned about Chinese companies supporting Russia’s defense industrial base, as it not only threatens Ukraine’s security but also poses a threat to European security.