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.
