Chinese State Media Criticize NATO Chief Rutte as 'American Yes-Man'

china - Chinese state media have criticized the NATO chief, Mark Rutte, as an 'American yes-man' due to his recent warnings against cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.

Chinese state media have referred to NATO Chief Rutte as an 'American yes-man' in response to his recent statements. Although an official Chinese reaction to the Secretary-General's speech and warnings has not been given yet, Chinese media have been analyzing Rutte's leadership. Reference News described Rutte as someone with exceptional self-control who gives the impression of being easygoing, sincere, and indifferent. Xu Zigui, a researcher at the European Union Research Center in Shanghai, praised Rutte's success in politics due to his authentic Dutch charm.

However, Chinese analysts' tone changed when Rutte, as the NATO chief, started warning against cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. China Daily noted a shift in hope from a balanced and independent decision-maker to an American yes-man. Global Times criticized Rutte's hawkish rhetoric against China and his hyped claims of China's support to Russia, denying military assistance.

Rutte's recent op-ed criticizing China for its role in dealing with Pyongyang and Moscow further fueled Chinese frustration. The article highlighted China's responsibility to limit the influence of Pyongyang and Moscow, which didn't sit well with China's self-image as a peace promoter. Despite China's previous mediation efforts, Rutte's words touched a nerve in China, especially as it promotes itself as a peace mediator globally.

China's closeness to Russia, particularly after the Ukraine invasion, has raised eyebrows, with Rutte expressing concerns about the situation. When Rutte met with President Xi Jinping in March, he underlined the threat of a victorious Putin to his country, reflecting the deepening connections and concerns between the EU and the US.