China's trade and military ties with Russia have grown, with Beijing providing crucial support to Moscow's economy through high-end technology like semiconductors, making it essential to Russia's war effort.

Stoltenberg's warning marks a harsher stance from NATO towards China.

Russia relied on China for 90% of its microelectronics imports last year, which are used in producing weapons like missiles, tanks, and aircraft.

China is also helping Russia with satellite capabilities and imaging.

China claims to want good relations with the West, but at the same time, it is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War Two.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that Western allies should not become as dependent on China as they had been on Russia in the past, specifically with regards to oil and gas, to avoid repeating past mistakes.

China's economic dependence on Russia has grown significantly in recent years, with trade reaching a record high of $240.1 billion in 2023, up 26.3% from the previous year.

Chinese imports from Russia increased by 13%, while exports to Russia surged by 46.9%.

This strengthened relationship comes as the US and its allies have imposed sanctions on both countries, particularly Russia for invading Ukraine.