NATO Warns Consequences Of China's Support For The Russian War

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg/DOK via Instagram @jensstoltenberg

JAKARTA - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned China of its continuing support for Russia amid its war in Ukraine.

"It makes no sense and it doesn't need to continue that China continues to spark threat to NATO allies, particularly in Europe, by supporting Russia's war economy," Stoltenberg said.

When asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea, Stoltenberg stressed the importance of unity among NATO allies at a time when " authoritarian forces such as Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China are increasingly united."

"It is very important for us (NATO), given the alignment between Russia, China and North Korea, to also work closely with our partners in Asia Pacific, Japan, South Korea (South Korea), New Zealand, and Australia," he said.

He also said Putin's visit showed Russia's dependence on "ulitarian counterparts" in the fight against Ukraine.

Stoltenberg warned China of its behavior in favor of Russia, and stressed "there will be and there must be consequences" for the support.

When asked about Canada's plans to meet the alliance's target of its members to spend at least 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, Stoltenberg urged allies to achieve the target.

NATO Secretary-General also said he wanted to hear Canada's plans in that regard.

Noting there will be "many issues" that will be discussed with the Canadian PM, Stoltenberg also said "one of them is also about defense spending."

Stoltenberg stressed the importance for NATO to invest in the defense sector and to prevent war, as countries such as China and Russia "invest massively in new military capabilities, including long-range weapons and advanced missile systems."

"The best way for us to ensure peace is to unite as NATO and invest as we have agreed. We have agreed in NATO to invest at least two percent," he said.