NATO chief warns China over support for Russia in Ukraine conflict

The NATO Secretary General announced that if China does not change its stance, it should be held accountable for supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted, calling Jens Stoltenberg's statement "sowing discord."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's words on Tuesday. The NATO Secretary General stated that the country should be punished for supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine. According to Beijing, the head of the Alliance blames others instead of working towards a political solution to the conflict.

- We appeal for an end to blaming others, sowing discord, and adding fuel to the fire (...) and for doing something concrete to achieve a political resolution of this crisis - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters when asked for a comment on the matter.

In an interview published Monday evening for the BBC, Stoltenberg declared that if China does not change its stance, it should face consequences for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.

According to him, Beijing is trying to "play both sides" - supporting Russia while maintaining relations with European allies. - This (position is) unsustainable in the long term - emphasized the head of the Alliance.

Asked what NATO member states can do regarding China's support for Russia, he replied that "a discussion" is ongoing about possible sanctions.