The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed sharp criticism on Tuesday of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s statement that allies in the alliance should impose a cost on China for its support of Russia in the war in Ukraine. NATO should engage in self-reflection, rather than smear China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing. During a visit to the United States, Stoltenberg said China was ostensibly keeping out of the conflict, while in reality fuelling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. “And at the same time, it wants to maintain good relations with the …