NATO Criticizes China’s Role in Ukraine War
NATO has issued a stern rebuke to China for its support of Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The defense alliance's anniversary summit in Washington highlighted China’s involvement, stating that Beijing has become “a crucial accomplice in Russia's war against Ukraine.” The final document from the summit mentions China 15 times, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations. NATO demands that China stop supplying dual-use goods, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, to Russia.
A new study by think tanks Merics, Chatham House, and GMF reveals how China is aiding Russia's military efforts. Georgian diplomat Natalie Sabanadze, a co-author of the study, stated, “China is doing everything it can to strengthen Russia's military machine.” According to Sabanadze, without China’s support, Russia would be in a much weaker position. This support also helps Moscow circumvent Western sanctions, further complicating the conflict.
UK’s Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Domestic Defense Struggles
Meanwhile, the new British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged £3 billion annually to support Ukraine, despite the UK’s own military struggles. Starmer has assured that Ukraine can use British weapons, including long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles, to attack military targets in Russia. However, this promise comes at a time when the British armed forces are facing significant budget constraints and capability issues.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, the former chief of the General Staff, has warned that the British military is so underfunded that it could only sustain a small conflict for about a month. The UK’s military size has dwindled to less than 73,000 troops, its smallest since the Napoleonic era. The situation has raised concerns among senior US and European generals about the UK’s ability to handle high-intensity conflicts.
The United States, Britain’s closest ally, has expressed frustration with the UK’s reliance on American support. General Randy George, the U.S. Army chief of staff, emphasized that Britain needs to be self-reliant in sustaining its military operations. The UK government is now reviewing its defense budget to address these critical gaps. The previous Conservative government had planned to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2030, but immediate action is required to address the current deficiencies.
