BEIJING (AP) — China on Thursday accused NATO of seeking its security at the expense of other countries and urged the alliance not to bring the same “chaos” to Asia.
A statement from the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: NATO criticizes China “A decisive driving force” Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“NATO’s exaggeration of China’s responsibility in the Ukraine issue is unreasonable and malicious,” Lin Jian said at a regular press conference. He insisted that China takes a fair and objective stance on the Ukraine issue.
China has broken with the United States and European allies over the Ukraine war and refused to condemn Russia’s aggression. Trade between China and Russia has expanded since the invasion, at least partially offsetting the impact of Western sanctions.
NATO said in a statement at the summit in Washington that China “Unlimited Partnership” with Russia and massive support for Russia’s defense industrial base.
Lin said trade between China and Russia is legal, reasonable and based on World Trade Organization rules.
He said NATO’s “so-called security” comes at the expense of other countries’ security. China supports Russia’s claim that NATO’s expansion poses a threat to Russia.
China has expressed concern about NATO’s new ties with regional nations, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, which are sending leaders or deputy leaders to a NATO summit this week.
“China urges NATO to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs and tarnishing China’s image, and not cause chaos in the Asia-Pacific region after causing chaos in Europe,” Lin said.
Chinese troops have been stationed in Belarus this week. Joint Drill The exercise took place near the border with NATO member Poland and was Russia’s first with its ally Belarus.
Lin said the joint training was not targeted at any particular country and was a matter of regular military exchanges and cooperation.
