NATO chief warns against dependency on Chinese resources, urges end to support for Russia

Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, emphasized the importance of not repeating past mistakes by becoming dependent on Chinese resources, echoing the vulnerabilities faced when relying on Russian oil and gas.

“In the past, we made the mistake of becoming overly reliant on Russian oil and gas. We must not replicate this error with China. Dependency on their resources, finances, and technologies exposes us to significant risks,” stated Stoltenberg.

He underscored the need for China to cease its support for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine if it desired positive relations with the West. Stoltenberg highlighted the critical role China played in supplying Russia’s military-industrial complex with advanced technology, particularly semiconductors.

“Last year, Russia sourced 90 percent of its microelectronics from China, crucial components for manufacturing missiles, tanks, and aircraft. Additionally, China is actively enhancing Russia’s satellite capabilities,” Stoltenberg pointed out.

While China has expressed a desire for constructive relations with the West, Stoltenberg emphasized that simultaneously supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine was incompatible with fostering such relations.