This was an extraordinary move by NATO, which, until this date, was reserved on China issues and nominally involved outside of the immediate European region with exceptions, such as involvement in Afghanistan that was done under a U.N. mandate, not necessarily invoking "Article 5," under which an attack on one is an attack on all.

In Section 26 of the July 10 communiqué, NATO was clear in its view on the People's Republic of China (PRC): "The PRC has become a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine through its so-called 'no limits' partnership and its large-scale support for Russia's defence industrial base. This increases the threat Russia poses to its neighbours and to Euro-Atlantic security."
NATO has established a red line, and there is now little ambiguity that the bloc views the PRC as the instigator of world tensions and conflict.

China Is Identified as the Reason Russia Is Still Standing

NATO came out swinging at China and said further in the communiqué:

"We call on the PRC, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with a particular responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, to cease all material and political support to Russia's war effort. This includes the transfer of dual-use materials, such as weapons components, equipment, and raw materials that serve as inputs for Russia's defence sector. The PRC cannot enable the largest war in Europe in recent history without this negatively impacting its interests and reputation."

In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pushed back and called NATO's statements "groundless accusations." He warned NATO against creating tension with Beijing.

The reality is that China is the largest maker of 152 mm and 122 mm artillery ammunition, 7.62×39 machine gun ammunition, drones, spare parts for all Russian aircraft, missiles, and other vital war material Russia needs to continue the Ukraine war effort. No one else makes the common equipment, ordnance, and supplies Russia needs.