NATO warns of rising Chinese influence amid global tensions
The North Atlantic Alliance expresses deep concern about China and its role in the international security arrangement. "There is no transparency regarding the buildup of the Chinese military, including nuclear forces," emphasizes NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Rob Bauer.
During the NATO Military Committee meeting on Wednesday in Brussels, support for Ukraine and the modernization of the Alliance’s armed forces were discussed. Admiral Bauer noted that supporting Ukraine is in NATO’s political and military interest.
"The tasks at hand are herculean. But not insurmountable. Our tasks are to strengthen the deterrence and defence of the Alliance and at the same time support Ukraine in its resistance against Russia’s unprovoked aggression. (...). Machiavelli taught us that the best way to do that… is to prepare for war," said Admiral Bauer.
Kremlin's goals in the war with Ukraine
Admiral Bauer reminded that Russia's war against Ukraine has been ongoing for 1,057 days, and the Kremlin has not achieved its strategic goals.
"In his New Year speech, President Putin stated that his only regret was that Russia had not invaded Ukraine sooner. And he has declared 2025 to be the 'Year of the Defender of the Motherland'. The reality is that the Kremlin has still not achieved any of its strategic objectives… whilst seven hundred thousand Russians been killed and wounded... and the entire Russian population suffers under the brunt of the war effort," he added.
The military official emphasized that Ukraine needs full support and deserves it. "Our support is not charity. It is in the political and military interest of the Alliance. We must show the world that democracy can prevail and will prevail and is worth fighting for. It is not a perfect or self-sufficient system, even in countries where it has existed for centuries. But it is worth risking lives because without choice, freedom, and the rule of law, what will we have left? How can we build a safe and prosperous world for our children?" Bauer asked rhetorically.
NATO concerned about China's role
The military official added that Russia's war against Ukraine has global consequences, and NATO is deeply concerned about the role China plays in the international security arrangement. According to the Alliance, China is behaving more aggressively towards its neighbours and supporting Russia’s war efforts.
Admiral Bauer stressed that the best response to these challenges is unity within the Alliance. "Democracy must triumph over autocracy," he summarized.
The NATO Military Committee, as the supreme military body of the Alliance, plays a key role in strategic security decisions.
