Kristersson on China: Deep Provocation

China's increasingly clear support for Russia is causing upset within NATO. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson shares this view, some sanctions are not currently relevant – at least not yet, according to the Prime Minister.

» Updated:

» Published:

Kristersson on China: Deep Provocation
Photo: Matt Rourke/AP/TT

Share this article

China's increasingly open support for Russia is causing upset within NATO. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson shares this view, stating that some sanctions are not currently being considered – at least not yet, according to the Prime Minister.

For the first time, China was mentioned in connection with a final declaration following a NATO meeting. The background is links to Russia in connection with the war against Ukraine, and is described as a reason for "deep concern".

There is no doubt that there is increasingly open support from China to Russia against Ukraine, and it is a deep provocation. It is clear that it must have consequences. That is the concrete reason, says Ulf Kristersson (The Moderate Party) at a press conference in Washington.

The Prime Minister also mentions, among other things, the military exercise that China and Belarus have conducted near the border with Poland.

It cannot be perceived in any other way than that China wants to show that there is a circle of countries that are like-minded and a counterpoint to what we stand for.

When asked about potential sanctions against China, Kristersson responds:

I don't know if we're there yet. I think there is an increased awareness that China is now acting directly opposite to what the entire EU stands for in relation to Ukraine. Sanctions are complicated things, but we are approaching a situation where the EU should act more forcefully against China.

For Sweden's part, the meeting in Washington has been the first as a member of the defense alliance. From this, they also take the message that Sweden will host NATO's foreign ministers' meeting in the spring of 2026.

We don't know the date or location, it's a discussion with NATO about what works best, but it was fun that they bit on our willingness to host, says Ulf Kristersson.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Water Restored in Solna and Sundbyberg After Leak

Water Restored in Solna and Sundbyberg After Leak

Suspected Dangerous Object Found in Stockholm Prompts Investigation

Suspected Dangerous Object Found in Stockholm Prompts Investigation

Man Stabbed to Avoid Military Service Fined Along with Accomplice

Man Stabbed to Avoid Military Service Fined Along with Accomplice

Psilocybin from Mushrooms Tested for Anorexia Treatment in Pilot Study

Psilocybin from Mushrooms Tested for Anorexia Treatment in Pilot Study

Kramfors Residents Urged to Boil Drinking Water Due to Contamination

Kramfors Residents Urged to Boil Drinking Water Due to Contamination

Uddevalla Municipality Files Police Report on Home Care Service Issues

Uddevalla Municipality Files Police Report on Home Care Service Issues

Girl in Bålsta Suspected of Planning School Murder

Girl in Bålsta Suspected of Planning School Murder

Seven Detained in Major Raid on Waterpipe Tobacco Tax Evasion Network

Seven Detained in Major Raid on Waterpipe Tobacco Tax Evasion Network

Police Confident in Reversing Gang Violence Trend

Police Confident in Reversing Gang Violence Trend

Three Swedes Arrested in Portugal for Elderly Fraud Scheme

Three Swedes Arrested in Portugal for Elderly Fraud Scheme

Sweden Boosts Civil Defense Budget by 3 Billion Kronor

Sweden Boosts Civil Defense Budget by 3 Billion Kronor

Four Sentenced to Prison for Taking Girl Abroad Against Her Will

Four Sentenced to Prison for Taking Girl Abroad Against Her Will

Protest Near Stockholm Jewish School Targets Israeli Soldier

Protest Near Stockholm Jewish School Targets Israeli Soldier

Opposition Parties Blocked from Summoning Migration Minister to Committee

Opposition Parties Blocked from Summoning Migration Minister to Committee

Decent Jeans Now Permitted in Parliament Dress Code Update

Decent Jeans Now Permitted in Parliament Dress Code Update

Hungary Responds to Kristersson's Criticism: Sweden Is Also Lying

Hungary Responds to Kristersson's Criticism: Sweden Is Also Lying

Live Hand Grenade Found in Malmö's Hyllie District

Live Hand Grenade Found in Malmö's Hyllie District

Government to Invest 4.3 Billion Kronor in Schools Next Year

Government to Invest 4.3 Billion Kronor in Schools Next Year

Sweden's Agenda 2030 Efforts Face Criticism for Lack of Direction

Sweden's Agenda 2030 Efforts Face Criticism for Lack of Direction

Only One of 80 Large Shelters in Sweden Upgraded

Only One of 80 Large Shelters in Sweden Upgraded