NATO raises alarm over China's military expansion
The North Atlantic Alliance expresses deep concern regarding China and its role in international security arrangements. "There is zero transparency about its military buildup, including its nuclear forces," emphasizes NATO Military Committee Chairman, Admiral Rob Bauer.
During the NATO Military Committee meeting, which commenced on Wednesday in Brussels, support for Ukraine and the modernisation 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 (...).Machiavelli taught us that the best way to do that… is to prepare for war. Not because war is inevitable. But because being better prepared for war strengthens our deterrence. Which in turn minimises the chance of war being fought on Allied soil," said Admiral Bauer.
Kremlin's goals in the war with Ukraine
Admiral Bauer reminded listeners 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 emphasised that Ukraine needs full support and deserves it. "Our support is not charity. It is in the political and military interest of the Alliance to do so. We need to show the world that democracy can and will win. And that democracy is worth fighting for. It is not a perfect system. Nor is it self-sustainable. Even in countries where it has existed for centuries. But it is worth risking our lives for. Because without choice, without freedom, without the rule of law: what is there? How can we ever 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 international security arrangements. According to the Alliance, China is behaving more aggressively towards neighbouring countries and supporting Russia's war efforts.
Admiral Bauer stressed that the best response to these challenges is unity within the Alliance. "Democracy triumphs over autocracy," he summarised.
The NATO Military Committee, as the supreme military body of the Alliance, plays a key role in strategic security decisions.
