China’s Role In The Russian-Ukrainian War
In June 2023, the NATO summit was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, where several important issues related to global security were discussed and resolved. The first was China’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
China’s Military Assistance to Russia
China is reportedly providing military support to Russia. According to NATO intelligence sources, China has provided Russia with important technology and other equipment. Russian troops in Ukraine have used Chinese-made drones.
Economic Support for Evasion and Money Laundering
In addition to military support, China has played a key role in helping Russia circumvent international sanctions. Since the beginning of the conflict, China has increased its trade with Russia, its largest trading partner in the energy sector, while strengthening diplomatic and military cooperation. Last year alone, China’s oil imports from Russia increased by 50%, reaching a record high of 2 million barrels per day in 2023.
Diplomatic Strategy
China has always taken a cautious, supportive stance towards Russia and peace. China has abstained from votes at the United Nations criticizing Russia’s actions on many occasions. China’s strategic ambiguity allows it to avoid taking sides while maintaining its domestic interests and its international status as an impartial great power. Under the guise of diplomatic balancing acts, China can provide a degree of support to Russia without directly confronting Western powers.
Impact on NATO strategy
China’s involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war has caused NATO to re-examine its strategic direction. At the Vilnius summit, NATO leaders also stressed the need to address the “systemic challenges posed by China.” Canberra has brought help to the Indo-Pacific region in terms of greater cyber resilience, intelligence sharing, and enhanced defense capabilities against China.
NATO’s Accusations Against China
As one of the focal points, there are growing concerns about cybersecurity threats from China – a major issue discussed at the recent NATO summit. NATO noted that there have been several previous attacks on critical infrastructure of its member states by Chinese government-backed hackers. In one case, in 2023, a sophisticated Chinese cyberattack hit the defense systems of some NATO members.
Espionage
According to NATO intelligence reports, China’s espionage activities against member states are large and well-documented. These operations are not limited to espionage using traditional espionage methods, but may also include attacks on financial institutions or businesses. This has serious implications for national security and economic viability, as in 2022 Chinese agents were suspected of stealing advanced patented technology from a well-known European aerospace giant. In response, NATO has stepped up counterintelligence activities and increased surveillance of suspected spy networks.
Military expansionism
China has also been accused of trying to expand its military power in an aggressive manner, especially in the South China Sea. NATO is skeptical of China’s militarization of these artificial islands, as strategic analysis shows that China’s armed garrisons pose a threat to international trade routes and regional stability. During a recent naval exercise, China demonstrated an array of high-tech missile systems capable of reasserting control of vital maritime areas in the Pacific or elsewhere.
Economic Coercion
This also became a major point of tension at the NATO summit – how China uses economic coercion in its statecraft. This week, China imposed tough economic sanctions on places like Lithuania in an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. The sanctions have also disrupted Lithuania’s export markets and weakened its economy, prompting NATO to consider measures to increase economic support and resilience within the alliance to counter similar forms of coercion.
Human Rights Abuses
NATO leaders also criticized China’s human rights record. The summit declaration also condemned ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang, where more than a million Uighurs are credibly reportedly detained in re-education camps. Testimonies from survivors describe harrowing conditions and systematic abuses ranging from forced labor to cultural assimilation policies. This has left NATO advocating for a tougher international line against China and fully supporting initiatives to hold Beijing accountable.
Chinese Government Response
In response, the Chinese government issued a series of official statements comprehensively refuting the allegations made during the NATO summit. China’s Foreign Ministry called the allegations “groundless” and said they were motivated by ulterior motives; China was acting within its internationally recognized rights. China said it was defending its sovereignty and regional stability by building up military defenses in the South China Sea.
Cybersecurity allegations
The Chinese government denied involvement in cyberattacks against NATO members. China’s Ministry of State Security called the allegations “completely fabricated” and pointed out the lack of concrete evidence. On Friday, Chinese officials hit back with a slightly different statement: a series of cyber incidents targeting China and accountability for NATO countries’ actions against China.
Political, economic and military pressure
In response to allegations of economic coercion, Chinese officials reiterated their position on the one-China policy and said that China would take sanctions if any country challenged this policy. Lithuania was sanctioned by China, and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the sanctions were imposed “in response to Taiwan’s violation of international law.” The statement also outlined the economic impact of such sanctions, insisting that China’s trade measures were justified and not a diplomatic provocation.
Human Rights Defense
The Chinese government has responded in a series of detailed responses to human rights criticism, especially allegations about Xinjiang. According to China’s State Council Information Office, Xinjiang is being used to combat extremism and promote economic development. It says economic growth and prosperity are growing in the region – further evidence that the Western narrative is tainted by bias.
Diplomatic Efforts
After the NATO summit, China launched a series of diplomatic offensives to try to contain the political damage. China also held high-profile meetings with other countries to explain its views and to win support. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held lengthy discussions with Russian, Iranian and African foreign ministers on the issue – clearly in diplomatic terms, emphasizing the fundamental principle that sovereignty takes precedence over internal affairs. China has also used international forums, attending the United Nations and other multilateral meetings to take steps to counter what they claim are fabricated lies about its policies. China has adopted a combination of active diplomacy and public relations to respond to NATO’s allegations.