NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg revealed that the alliance was discussing possible sanctions against China.
Stoltenberg made an announcement in an interview with BBC News during a visit to Washington. He stated that Beijing was “trying to get it both ways” by supporting Russia’s military efforts and also trying to maintain relations with European allies.
This cannot work in the long run.
He also touched on nuclear weapons and defence spending. His comments came against the backdrop of Russia‘s military advance in Ukraine. Asked what NATO members might do about China’s support for Russia, Stoltenberg said there was an “ongoing conversation” about possible sanctions against China. He claimed that Beijing “shares a lot of technologies, [like] micro-electronics, which are key for Russia to build missiles, weapons they use against Ukraine.”
Last month, the US announced restrictions affecting about 20 firms based in China and Hong Kong. However, Beijing claims it does not sell lethal weapons and “prudently handles the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations.”
Stoltenberg’s visit to Washington came after the Kremlin confirmed that Vladimir Putin would visit North Korea on Tuesday. It followed his visit to China last month.
The Secretary General stated that North Korea had sent artillery shells to Russia. In return, Moscow provided advanced technology for Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programme, he added.
Speaking ahead of a meeting with US President Joe Biden, the NATO chief also announced that more than 20 countries were expected to meet the 2% defence spending target this year.
This is good for Europe and good for America, especially since much of this extra money is spent here in the United States. (…) The purpose of Nato is not to fight the war, the purpose of that is to prevent the war.
Earlier, the EU, fighting Beijing’s growing influence, raised tariffs on electronic vehicles exported from China. In retaliation, Beijing targeted European farmers by launching a probe into EU pork imports.
