"This has become a decisive factor": Rutte criticizes China for supporting Russian military industry

China cannot continue to fuel Russia's aggression against Ukraine without damaging its own interests and reputation. It is Beijing's support that has become a decisive factor in allowing Moscow to continue its bloody war in the heart of Europe.

Currently, the Russian-Ukrainian war and its support from countries such as China, North Korea, and Iran are turning into a global threat to the North Atlantic Alliance, and NATO must respond to this threat. This was stated by the newly appointed Secretary General of the Alliance Mark Rutte during the first press conference in Brussels, Ukrinform reports.

"China's support for the Russian military industry has become a decisive factor in allowing Russia to wage war in Ukraine. China cannot continue to fuel this largest conflict in Europe since the end of World War II without damaging its interests and reputation," the official said.

Given that North Korea and Iran, in addition to China, are helping to fuel Russia's aggression against Ukraine, NATO cannot afford to ignore the threats that are becoming global, Rutte said.

"NATO's focus should be on Euro-Atlantic security, so that our populations are safe. But today's threats are increasingly becoming global. Therefore, I will deepen partnerships with countries that are close in conviction, far and near, and that share our values," the new head of the Alliance emphasized.

Rutte also emphasized the importance of NATO's partnership with the European Union. It allows us to realize the potential of cooperation in many areas, from joint support for Ukraine to countering hybrid threats.

At the same time, the new Secretary General of the Alliance announced his intention to expand the partnership of NATO Allies with the countries of the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel region in order to maintain stability in the Alliance's southern neighborhood. In addition, such partnerships will yield results in the fight against terrorism, which threatens Europe.

"At the end of this month, Australia, New Zealand and Japan will participate for the first time in the NATO Defense Ministerial. I look forward to welcoming them and discussing joint approaches to addressing the common challenges we face," Rutte emphasized.

As a reminder, on October 1, 2024, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially became NATO Secretary General. He succeeded Jens Stoltenberg, who led the Alliance for a decade starting in 2014. Prior to his election to the NATO post, Stoltenberg was the head of the Norwegian government.

In his first speech as NATO chief, Rutte, who is a strong supporter of Ukraine and its fight against Russian aggression and who has repeatedly expressed his support for military assistance to Ukraine and encouraged European countries to strengthen their defense capabilities, did not ignore our country.

According to him, Ukraine will be high on the list of his priorities as the new head of the Alliance, because, the politician is convinced, the task of the democratic world is to help our country survive as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Another priority, according to Rutte, is to strengthen NATO in the face of current security challenges.

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