Beijing accused NATO of misinformation and seeking a presence in the Asia-Pacific.
China hit back at what it said was misinformation that stoked confrontation after NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte sounded the alarm about Beijing’s « massive military build-up » and its support for Russia in the Ukraine war.
Ahead of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Rutte spoke of the importance of the alliance’s relationship with Asia-Pacific powers, naming Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, specifically in the context of China’s military build-up.
Rutte also said NATO is concerned about China and North Korea « ramping up » Russia in Moscow’s « unprovoked attack on Ukraine ». China primarily supports Russia with large oil purchases to help it sidestep Western sanctions.
