NATO on Thursday released a statement on the Nord Stream pipeline leaks, calling it "the result of deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage." It also said, "Any deliberate attack against Allies' critical infrastructure would be met with a united and determined response." But Chinese experts said NATO's statement came too early, as the truth behind the leaks is yet to surface, and by releasing such a statement, NATO wants to absolve responsibility on the issue and take the high moral ground, so that it could continue to work on its strategic goal of containing Russia and controlling Europe.
NATO could carry out collective defense based on Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty if allies' critical infrastructure comes under attack, but before the perpetrator is identified, NATO's statement is merely political posturing, they said.. . More