Nato warns against China blackmail lessons from Ukraine war

In his final address as NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of learning from the West's experience with Russia during the Ukraine war. He highlighted that the West's reliance on Russian energy resources, such as gas, coal, and oil, was a significant miscalculation that allowed President Putin to exert influence over Europe. Despite initial objections to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the flow of Russian gas continued, ultimately leading to a full-scale invasion in 2022, which prompted a shift in support towards Ukraine's independence. Stoltenberg warned that a similar dependency on China could pose risks, particularly regarding rare earth minerals and advanced technologies. He noted that NATO's 32 member countries have recognized China's ambitions and coercive policies as challenges to their interests and security. The growing military confidence of China, alongside its cooperation with Russia, raises concerns about potential leverage over Europe through economic dependence. The West has made significant strides in reducing its reliance on Russian energy, implementing sanctions and cutting imports. However, Stoltenberg cautioned that exceptions and loopholes still exist, which could undermine these efforts. He urged the need for diversification in import markets to mitigate risks associated with dependence on China. As Stoltenberg prepares to hand over leadership, he stresses that prioritizing freedom over free trade is essential for maintaining resilience against coercive economic practices from nations like China.