NATO has accused China of playing the role of decisive enabler of Russia and Ukraine war, marking a significant escalation in the alliance’s stance on Beijing and its systematic challenges to global security. At a summit hosted by US President Joe Biden in Washington, a 32-member alliance issued a joint declaration condemning China as a decisive enabler of Russia’s aggression. Despite bans on China’s exports, Chinese semiconductors, machine tools and other parts have become vital to Russia’s defence industry, which they argue has emboldened Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine. 

NATO leaders expanded their concerns beyond previous statements, focusing more extensively on China’s increasing capabilities and activities in space. They also reiterated apprehensions regarding Beijing’s alleged malicious cyber activities, hybrid operations such as disinformation campaigns, and the rapidly expanding of its nuclear arsenal.

NATO’s condemnation extends beyond China’s role in Ukraine, encompassing broader concerns about Beijing’s activities in cyberspace, its rapid expansion of nuclear capabilities, and its assertive manoeuvres in outer space. The alliance has expressed deep apprehension over what it describes as China’s malicious cyber activities and efforts to divide and coerce NATO member states.