In a recent interview with the BBC, the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, expressed concerns over China's support for Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that if China does not change its ways, there should be consequences. Stoltenberg highlighted the contradictory position of Beijing, which is attempting to maintain relationships with European allies while backing Russia's war efforts.

Stoltenberg emphasized that this approach would not work in the long run and called for actions to be taken against China if it continues supporting Russia's aggression. He specifically mentioned the possibility of imposing economic costs and considering sanctions. The NATO chief pointed out that China is sharing crucial technologies, such as micro-electronics, which are instrumental in building missiles and arms used against Ukraine.

China has already faced some sanctions for its support of Russia, with the United States announcing restrictions on approximately 20 Chinese and Hong Kong-based firms. However, China has defended its business dealings with Moscow, claiming that it strictly adheres to laws and regulations and does not sell lethal arms.

With Russia showing no signs of easing its war against Ukraine, Stoltenberg's comments come at a crucial time. A recent peace summit held in Switzerland saw numerous nations pledging support for Kyiv. However, Russia dismissed the summit as a waste of time, demanding an essentially unconditional surrender from Ukraine before agreeing to peace talks.

Stoltenberg also highlighted Russia's increasing isolation on the global stage since its full-scale war with Ukraine began in 2022. He raised concerns about Russia strengthening ties with authoritarian leaders like Iran, China, and North Korea. Stoltenberg claimed that North Korea has been aiding Russia's aggression against Ukraine by providing artillery shells, while Russia has reciprocated by sharing advanced technology for North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

On the topic of defense spending, Stoltenberg announced that more than 20 nations are expected to meet the NATO target of allocating 2% of their GDP to defense this year, the highest number since the pledge was made in 2014. He emphasized the positive impact of this increased spending for both Europe and the United States, highlighting that a significant portion of the extra funding is allocated to the U.S.

Furthermore, Stoltenberg addressed comments he made regarding the possibility of increasing the number of deployable warheads as a deterrent against Russia and China. These comments received criticism from the Kremlin, which labeled them as an escalation of tension. However, Stoltenberg clarified that they were meant to convey that NATO is a nuclear alliance, ready to respond collectively to any attack on its members.

As Stoltenberg visited Washington, it was confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would travel to North Korea. Putin's visit follows his recent visit to China as Russia seeks to solidify allegiances with like-minded leaders. In the meantime, Ukraine labeled Putin's proposals as offensive to common sense, and Estonia has stepped up its support for Ukraine's war efforts by providing financial and military assistance to push back against the Russians.

Kenyan President William Ruto's ongoing state visit to the United States also attracted attention. Ruto is the first African leader in 16 years to conduct a state visit to the U.S., underscoring the significance of the diplomatic engagement.