Stoltenberg to China: Stop supporting Russia in the war with Ukraine!

China must stop supporting Russia's war in Ukraine if it wants to enjoy good relations with the West, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, warning Beijing in unusually sharp words that it cannot do both, Reuters reported, quoted by dariknews.bg.

During his visit to Berlin, the head of the Western military alliance said that Beijing's help was vital to Moscow's military efforts as he supports the Russian military economy by sharing high-tech products such as semiconductors.

"Last year, Russia imported from China 90% of microelectronics, which is used to make missiles, tanks and airplanes. China is also working to provide Russia with improved satellite capabilities and imagery," Stoltenberg said.

"China says it wants good relations with the West. But at the same time Beijing continues to fuel Europe's biggest armed conflict since World War II. He can't have both,' he warned.

Stoltenberg warned Western allies not to become dependent on China, as they were on Russia.

"In the past we made the mistake of becoming dependent on Russian oil and gas, he said, adding: "We must not repeat that mistake with China. Dependence on its money, raw materials, technology – addiction makes us vulnerable."

China has strengthened trade and military ties with Russia in recent years as the US and its allies have imposed sanctions on both countries, but most notably on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

In 2023, Sino-Russian trade will reach a record $240.1 billion, up 26.3% from the previous year, according to Chinese customs data. China's supplies to Russia jumped 46.9% in 2023, while imports from Russia rose 13%.