In a landmark move during the NATO 75th-anniversary summit held in Washington, DC on July 10 (Wednesday), all 32 member countries issued a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to Ukraine’s accession to the alliance. The statement also took a tougher stance towards the Communist China’s support for Russia’s aggressive actions.
The joint statement confirmed that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to joining NATO. As Ukraine continues its crucial work towards democratic, economic, and security reforms, NATO pledges to support Ukraine’s journey towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. The statement reiterates NATO’s intention to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance when conditions are met, as agreed upon by member states.
The use of the term “irreversible” emphasizes NATO’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia and serves as a warning to Russian President Putin not to take action against NATO.
Following the release of the joint statement, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated in a press conference, “This does not make NATO a party to the conflict, but it will help Ukraine defend its right to self-defense.”
Stoltenberg further expressed, “As Ukraine continues vital reforms, we will continue to support them on their irreversible path towards NATO membership. The work we are carrying out together now will ensure that when the time is right, Ukraine can join without delay. It is not a matter of if but when Ukraine will join.”
Moreover, NATO intends to provide Ukraine with at least 400 billion euros (approximately 432.8 billion US dollars) in military assistance within the next year. However, the alliance fell short of meeting Stoltenberg’s long-standing financial commitments.
In addition to the financial assistance, NATO decided to take steps to take over most of the coordination work on military equipment and training for Ukraine, which was previously led by the United States.
The NATO statement condemned Russia’s “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and coercive nuclear signals, including announcing the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus,” and also condemned Belarus for continuing to facilitate Russia’s war in Ukraine.
However, the statement also indicated that NATO is still willing to maintain communication channels with Moscow to “reduce risk and prevent escalation.”
The joint statement expressed NATO’s strongest condemnation of the Communist China, stating that China is the “decisive driver” behind Russia’s war in Ukraine and poses a systematic challenge to the European-Atlantic security system.
According to the statement, China, through its “unbounded partnership” with Russia, as well as extensive support for Russia’s defense industry, has become a “war enabler.”
“This increases the threat of Russia to its neighboring countries and the European-Atlantic security. We call on China as a permanent member of the UN Security Council with a special responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, to cease all material and political support for Russia’s war efforts.”
In the final version of the joint statement, NATO member countries reiterated their concerns over China posing a “systematic challenge” to the European-Atlantic security, as initially raised in 2021.
The statement warned China, saying, “China cannot engage in the largest-scale war against Europe in modern history without consequences for its interests and reputation.”
The statement also criticized Iran and North Korea for enhancing Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine by providing direct military support to Moscow.
At the Washington DC summit, all 32 NATO member countries endorsed the strongly-worded final statement, clearly highlighting the Communist China as a focus of the military alliance. NATO’s European and North American member states, along with partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region, increasingly share security concerns from Russia and its Asian supporters, particularly China.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Stoltenberg emphasized that the equipment, microelectronics, and tools provided by China “allow Russia to produce missiles, bombs, aircraft, and weapons used to attack Ukraine.”
Stoltenberg stressed that it was the first time all NATO allies had sent such a unanimous and strong message to China, saying, “This is the first time all NATO allies have so clearly stated this point in an agreed document, focusing on China as a crucial neighbor of Russia in launching a war. … Of course, the final decision will be made by each ally, but I think the message sent by NATO at this summit is very strong and very clear.”
The joint statement also expressed concerns about China’s space capabilities and activities, pointing out China’s continuous malicious cyber and hybrid activities, including the spread of disinformation.
The statement warned people to be vigilant as China rapidly expands its nuclear arsenal and diversifies it with more warheads and advanced delivery systems. NATO urged Beijing to engage in discussions to reduce strategic risks.
The NATO joint statement discussed the importance of the Indian-Pacific region to NATO and stated that developments in the region directly impact the security of the European-Atlantic region.
NATO expressed its commitment to enhancing cooperation with Asian-Pacific partners, including support for Ukraine and cyber defense.
NATO leaders are set to meet with leaders from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the European Union on Thursday, July 11, to discuss security challenges and cooperation.
The statement underscored the growing importance of cooperation between NATO and the EU on the Ukraine issue, with NATO recognizing the value of a more robust and militarily capable Europe in defense.
It also emphasized the development of coherent, complementary, and interoperable defense capabilities and the avoidance of unnecessary duplication as key to making the European-Atlantic region safer.
The joint NATO statement mentioned that the alliance will enhance integrated air and missile defense to deter and defend against all aerial and missile threats.
The statement also affirmed NATO’s commitment to taking all necessary measures to ensure the credibility, effectiveness, safety, and security of its nuclear deterrent mission.