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China urges NATO to reflect on its role in world peace, rejects sanctions circumvention allegations
China's foreign ministry rejected NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's allegations that Beijing is helping Russia circumvent sanctions, urging NATO to reflect on its own role in global peace and stability. Lin Jian denied providing lethal weapons to either side in Ukraine and stressed China's commitment to ending the conflict through peace talks.
Quick Facts
Who
Lin Jian (Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson)
What
China rejected allegations of supporting Russian sanctions circumvention
When
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Where
Beijing
- China rejected allegations of supporting Russian sanctions circumvention
- China denied providing lethal weapons to either party in Ukraine conflict
- China stated it maintains strict control over dual-use items
- NATO Secretary General made China-related remarks about Ukraine
- Chinese official urged NATO to reflect on its role in global peace
Beijing condemned NATO on Thursday, calling the military alliance a "Cold War relic" that should engage in serious reflection about its impact on global peace and stability. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the comments at a daily press briefing, responding to statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte who had alleged that China was supporting Russia in circumventing international sanctions and supplying dual-use goods.
Lin rejected the allegations, stating that China has not provided lethal weapons to either party in the Ukraine conflict and maintains strict controls over dual-use items. He emphasized that Beijing's position on the Ukraine crisis has been objective and impartial, with China consistently working toward ending hostilities and promoting peace negotiations.
The Chinese official also urged NATO to correct its "wrongful perception" of China and cease what he characterized as "instigating confrontation and shifting blame." Lin argued that NATO, as a security alliance, should critically examine what role it has played and what impact its actions have had on international peace and stability in the contemporary world.
Topics
Why This Matters
This exchange reflects deepening geopolitical tensions between China and Western security alliances over Ukraine policy and sanctions enforcement. Beijing's defensive posture and counter-accusations signal its growing strategic importance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while NATO's scrutiny of China's dual-use exports highlights a critical supply-chain vulnerability in Western sanctions regimes. For readers tracking great-power competition and sanctions effectiveness, this development underscores how the conflict has become a flashpoint for competing visions of international order and alignment pressure on non-Western states.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireNATO Secretary General Mark Rutte makes China-related remarks regarding Ukraine conflict
Jun 18, 2026
WireLin Jian responds to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's China-related remarks regarding the Ukraine crisis