NATO Plans to Reclaim Chinese-Owned Projects in Europe Amid Russia Conflict Concerns
NATO officials are in talks about reclaiming Chinese-owned infrastructure projects in Europe if the conflict with Russia escalates. This comes as NATO leaders express concerns over China’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A decade ago, Europe welcomed Chinese investments in infrastructure. However, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, these investments are now seen as potential liabilities. A US official mentioned that Beijing might use its European infrastructure to aid Russia if the conflict expands.
The recent NATO summit in Washington marked a significant shift, with leaders criticizing Beijing’s support for Moscow. The joint declaration stated, “The deepening strategic partnership between Russia and the PRC and their mutually reinforcing attempts to undercut and reshape the rules-based international order are a cause for profound concern.”
Discussions are still in early stages, with varying levels of engagement among NATO member countries. The US is leading these talks and might need bilateral agreements to gain support. China has invested tens of billions of dollars in European infrastructure through its Belt & Road Initiative since 2013.
A NATO official said that in case of war, the infrastructure would likely be nationalized or temporarily controlled under emergency security measures. US officials see a precedent in how European nations forced Russia to sell assets after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that the Ukraine war has made European and Asian nations more aware of their interconnected security concerns. He remarked, “Maybe this was crystallised by Ukraine, when Prime Minister Kishida of Japan said that what’s happening in Europe today could be happening in East Asia tomorrow.”
Despite concerns, some officials, particularly from France, argue that the issue should be handled by the European Union. This tension influenced the declaration’s language, as some countries believe NATO is not the appropriate platform to challenge China. Nonetheless, many member states fear that Beijing could leverage these assets against the alliance.
Outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Beijing should face consequences for supporting Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine.
