According to a report by Agence France-Presse on the 17th, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned on Friday about the increasingly close relationship between China and Russia, urging countries that believe in “democracy and freedom” to unite against authoritarian states.

After Russia sent troops to Ukraine, China tried to position itself as neutral, but at the same time China deepened its relations with Moscow and did not condemn the invasion.

Speaking on the Munich Security Conference, Stoltenberg said NATO was “closely monitoring the growing relationship between China and Russia.” He said they were conducting military exercises together, as well as air and sea patrols.

“As authoritarian forces come closer and work more closely together, it becomes even more important that all those in the world who believe in democracy and freedom stand together,” Stoltenberg said. ”

Stoltenberg said Beijing is closely watching the war in Ukraine. “If Putin wins there, it will influence the decisions made by Beijing.”

Russia’s war in Ukraine has raised concerns in the West that China could try something similar in Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

 Reuters Photo