China has called on NATO to correct its misguided views of Beijing and cease efforts to provoke confrontation and shift blame, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
Spokesperson's Response to NATO Remarks
At a daily press briefing in Beijing, spokesperson Lin Jian addressed recent comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding China's role in the Ukraine conflict. Rutte reportedly claimed that China has supported Russia in evading sanctions and supplying dual-use goods.
Lin Jian described NATO as a “Cold War relic” and urged the alliance to seriously reflect on its impact on global peace and stability. “As a Cold War relic, NATO needs to seriously reflect on what role it has played with what kind of impact on peace and stability in today’s world,” Lin said.
China's Stance on Ukraine Conflict
The spokesperson emphasized that China has not provided lethal weapons to either party in the Ukraine conflict and maintains strict controls over dual-use items. “China did not provide lethal weapons to either party of the conflict and have enforced strict control over dual-use items,” Lin stressed.
He reiterated China's objective and just position on the Ukraine crisis, noting that Beijing has consistently worked to de-escalate hostilities and promote peace talks. “On the Ukraine crisis, China has maintained an objective and just position, consistently making active efforts toward ending hostilities and promoting peace talks,” Lin said.
Background of Tensions
The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between NATO and China over the Ukraine war. NATO has accused China of providing tacit support to Russia, including economic assistance and technology that could be used for military purposes. China has repeatedly denied these allegations, insisting on its neutrality and call for a political settlement.
Lin's remarks underscore Beijing's frustration with what it perceives as NATO's attempts to drag China into the conflict narrative. The spokesperson urged NATO to focus on its own role in global security rather than making unfounded accusations against China.
In a separate incident, three suspected robbers were killed in a shootout with Chiniot police in Punjab province, according to local reports. The police operation targeted a criminal gang involved in multiple robberies in the area.
