Prohibiting aid to Russia has become a stringent standard for Western countries, and NATO is targeting China, attempting to forcibly sever Sino-Russian cooperation.
At this critical juncture, China is repatriating gold to build a new trade settlement system.
What is NATO's objective in acting against China? What signals does China's gold repatriation send?
Recently, Western countries have launched a new wave of offensive actions against China, particularly setting a "hard standard" that prohibits China from providing military aid and support to Russia, or else face "severe" consequences.
Using the pretext of "supporting Russia's special military operation," the United States announced sanctions on 20 Chinese companies.
Subsequently, NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg also targeted China, stating that if China does not cease its military support for Russia, it will face "economic consequences."
It is particularly emphasized that China cannot maintain normal trade cooperation with Europe while continuing to provide military aid to Russia. Europe cannot accept this two-sided approach.
It is noted that Stoltenberg made these remarks during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Blinken while visiting the United States.
Thus, it is widely believed that this sudden pressure from NATO on China was likely instigated by the United States, with Stoltenberg needing to use China as a "token of allegiance" to the US.
In the eyes of some Western politicians, the Russo-Ukrainian military conflict that erupted in 2022 is a significant development opportunity for China.
This is not only because Russia, after deteriorating relations with the West, has deepened political trust and ties with China, but also because China and Russia have engaged in close cooperation in energy, food, minerals, and other areas following the withdrawal of Western companies from Russia, achieving mutual benefit.
Although US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Brown has explicitly stated that there is no evidence of China providing military aid to Russia, high-level officials, including Blinken, believe that China must be "participating" in this military aid by providing necessary support to Russia, or Russia would not be able to sustain for so long or gain an advantage and dominance on the battlefield.
However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that China is not a party to the Ukraine crisis, nor is it the perpetrator.
China will neither add fuel to the fire nor take advantage of the situation.
By contrast, what role did the United States and NATO play in this military conflict?
It is no exaggeration to say that NATO and the United States bear the majority of the responsibility for the development of the Ukraine crisis to its current state.
Yet these countries not only fail to reflect on themselves but also use this issue to smear and suppress China, revealing their true intention of fully containing and curbing China's rise to maintain their "hegemonic status."
In the eyes of the US government, the threat posed by China actually surpasses that of Russia.
China not only has top-tier military power but also strong economic strength, achieving true "dual competence."
Many US political elites see China as the "greatest threat and challenger," believing that China is building strength during the US-Russia game and will one day directly dethrone the US from its global hegemonic position.
Therefore, NATO's actions aim to achieve the following three goals: First, to separate Sino-Russian cooperation, making it easier for the US to tackle them individually.
Second, to shirk responsibility and shift contradictions, distancing the US and NATO from the issue.
Third, to contain and suppress China, hindering its development.
If the US insists on viewing China as a "threat and challenger," it only shows that its "persecution paranoia" is very serious.
China has no intention of challenging the US's hegemonic position or engaging in comprehensive competition with the US.
However, in the face of unfair treatment and suppression, China will not sit idly by.
In recent years, China has been selling US bonds and increasing its gold reserves, a move seen as an "economic countermeasure" against the US.
On one hand, it optimizes China's overseas asset allocation to minimize risks;
On the other hand, China is accelerating the establishment of a new trade payment settlement system.
The RMB has become the primary trading and reserve currency for many countries, significantly enhancing China's voice in the financial market.
Additionally, China's repatriation of gold at this time sends an important signal to the world.
Firstly, it demonstrates China's independence and autonomy in financial and economic strategy.
By increasing gold reserves, China enhances its ability to withstand international financial risks while reducing dependence on the dollar system.
Secondly, it indicates that China is preparing for potential international economic turmoil by strengthening its gold reserves to consolidate the nation's economic foundation.
Finally, this move showcases China's growing voice and influence in international affairs.
As the world's second-largest economy, China's position in the international financial system is becoming increasingly important.
Through these actions, China shows its firm stance in safeguarding national interests and addressing international challenges.
NATO's pressure on China and China's gold repatriation reflect the current complexity and volatility of the international situation.
In the face of external pressures and challenges, China not only needs to remain calm and resolute in diplomacy and military matters but also needs to be proactive in economics and finance, preparing for various uncertainties.
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