China's Role in Russia's War Effort
China has firmly aligned itself with Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, drawing sharp criticism from NATO. The defense alliance's anniversary summit in Washington highlighted China's involvement, mentioning the People's Republic 15 times in its final document, emphasizing its role as a 'crucial accomplice' in the conflict. This partnership has significant implications, with China supplying Russia with dual-use goods and undermining Western sanctions, according to a new study by Merics, Chatham House, and GMF.
NATO's Stance and China's Response
NATO's final document from the summit stated that China's actions could not go without consequences for its interests and reputation. The alliance demanded that Beijing halt its supply of dual-use goods to Russia. Georgian diplomat Natalie Sabanadze, a co-author of the study, emphasized that without China's support, Russia would be in a far more precarious position in its war against Ukraine. She noted that China's main aim is to break Western dominance in solidarity with Moscow, ensuring Russia remains a strong partner.
The Impact of the Conflict on Civilians
Meanwhile, the war continues to take a toll on Ukrainian civilians. On Saturday, Russian fire claimed the lives of five civilians in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions. Local authorities reported that three people were killed and five injured in Kherson, while two were killed and 22 injured in Kharkiv. The Ukrainian army has been under constant bombardment in these regions, with Russian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and intensifying their offensive over the past two months.
- China has rejected NATO's accusations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stating that China is not responsible for the escalation in Ukraine. Lin accused NATO of stoking the flames of conflict, asserting that China is playing a 'constructive role.' However, trade data contradicts this narrative, showing that China is buying Russian gas and oil on a large scale, with trade between the two nations reaching over $240 billion last year.
- Despite the evidence, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán continues to portray China as a peacemaker. During a visit to Beijing, Orbán claimed that China has committed to peace from the beginning, a stance that contrasts sharply with NATO's view and the reality on the ground.
