NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg criticized China for boycotting the Global Peace Summit, which will take place in Switzerland next week, according to NDR.
He expressed regret that China decided not to participate in the conference, calling Beijing's refusal "regrettable."
According to Stoltenberg, the cancellation reflects China's attitude toward Russia's war against Ukraine.
The NATO Secretary General also sharply criticized China for supporting Russia's war economy from the beginning of the invasion.
"China tries to maintain normal relations with European NATO allies. At the same time, it is the main supporter of Russia's war against Ukraine—the greatest and most immediate threat to security we face here in Europe. Of course, China cannot have it both ways," he said.
Peace summit
On June 15-16, the first Global Peace Summit, initiated by the joint efforts of Ukraine and Switzerland, will be held at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock.
So far, 107 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the summit. This marks an important step towards uniting the efforts of the global community to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine and prevent future wars.
Earlier, China announced that it would not participate in the peace summit due to the absence of Russia.