CHINA warned the Nato military alliance today not to bring “the same chaos” to Asia as it had to Europe.

The statement by a Foreign Ministry spokesperson came a day after Nato labelled China a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Spokesperson Lin Jian told a daily briefing: “Nato hyping up China’s responsibility on the Ukraine issue is unreasonable and has sinister motives.” 

Mr Lin insisted that China has a fair and objective stance on Ukraine.

Beijing has declared a “no-limits partnership” with Moscow but also made attempts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine which have been dismissed by the United States.

China has refused to arm either side in the war, and brought in new export controls on dual-use products like drones to prevent their use in war zones.

In a communique issued at the end of its Washington summit, Nato accused China of becoming an enabler of the war through its relationship with Russia.

Mr Lin said that China’s trade with Russia is legitimate and based on World Trade Organisation rules.

He said that Nato’s “so-called security” comes at the cost of the security of other countries. China has backed Russia's contention that Nato’s continued eastward expansion poses a military threat to Russia.

China has expressed concern about Nato’s budding relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea sent their leaders or deputies to the Nato summit this week.

Mr Lin said: “China urges Nato to stop interfering in China’s internal politics and smearing China’s image, and not to create chaos in the Asia-Pacific after creating turmoil in Europe.”

Chinese troops are in Belarus this week for joint drills near the border with Poland, a Nato member. The exercises are the first ever with Belarus, an ally of Russia.

Mr Lin described the joint training as normal military co-operation that is not directed at any particular country.