NATO's strategy of expansion is pushing the world towards a new Cold War that goes against the will of people everywhere, China has warned.

Yesterday NATO called on Beijing to "abstain from supporting Russia's war effort in any way" and accused China of amplifying false narratives from Moscow.

However, China's embassy in the EU said such language was intended to "fan the flames to stir up troubles."

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"As a Cold War remnant and the world's largest military alliance, NATO follows an outdated security concept," the embassy said in a statement. "We must stay on high alert and say no to a 'new Cold War,' which goes against the trend of history and the aspirations of people around the world."

China has repeatedly responded to Western accusations that it is siding with Vladimir Putin by stating that it recognizes international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine but also that the security concerns that Russia says triggered the conflict cannot be ignored.

The embassy's statement reiterated that position as well as China's desire to see a cessation of hostilities.