NATO Concerns Over China-Russia Military Cooperation
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen has accused China of ‘massively financing Russia’s war chest,’ with the country allegedly providing military components and engaging in large-scale joint activities. The statement follows a meeting of Nordic defense ministers in Helsinki, where military cooperation and rearmament efforts were discussed. Hakkanen argued that without such support, Russia would struggle to sustain itself, with China’s involvement being more deliberate than other nations like India. The Finnish minister highlighted the growing partnership between Moscow and Beijing as a challenge for the US-led military bloc.
Meanwhile, China has denied the allegations, stating its trade with Russia is lawful and balanced. The Russian economy has shown resilience despite Western sanctions, with Moscow claiming these measures are counterproductive. The two nations have also shifted to conducting most bilateral trade in rubles and yuan, avoiding Western currencies amid increased Western efforts to isolate Russia.