“Cold War mentality”: China responds to NATO accusations that Beijing is “enabler” of Russian war

HONG KONG and LONDON – A Chinese politician on Thursday rejected an accusation by NATO members that Beijing had become a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

A spokesman for the Chinese mission to the European Union said a statement released by NATO members on Wednesday was “full of Cold War mentality and warlike rhetoric.”

“We do not supply lethal weapons to any party to the conflict and maintain strict export controls on dual-use items, including civilian drones,” the spokesman said in published comments.

NATO members, who are in Washington for a summit, included the allegations against China in a comprehensive statement. The document said China’s international ambitions and efforts “continue to challenge our interests, our security and our values.”

The statement also included direct references to what NATO members called China’s “deepening strategic partnership” with Russia.

This relationship, which NATO says “reinforces mutual attempts to undermine and reshape the rules-based international order,” is a cause of “deep concern,” the 32-member alliance wrote in a statement released on Wednesday.

“The People’s Republic of China has become a critical supporter of Russia’s war against Ukraine through its so-called ‘No Limits’ partnership and its extensive support of the Russian defense industry,” said the statement, which used an acronym for the People’s Republic of China. “This increases the threat Russia poses to its neighbors and to Euro-Atlantic security.”

NATO members said China had supplied Russia with dual-use materials, including components for weapons production. China had also supplied equipment and raw materials that “serve as inputs to the Russian defense sector,” the statement said.

“The People’s Republic of China cannot allow the largest war in Europe in recent history without negatively affecting its interests and reputation,” the statement said.

China described its trade with Russia as “normal” in similar language to previous statements. The spokesman said the NATO statement contained “obvious lies and slanders” that China “firmly” rejected.

“The normal trade flows between China and Russia are not aimed at third parties and should not be disrupted or forced,” the Chinese spokesman said.

ABC News’ Will Gretsky contributed to this report.