NATO chief: Alliance 'cannot be naive' about China's military buildup

NATO cannot afford to be complacent regarding China's growing military capabilities, according to Secretary General Mark Rutte. His remarks came after reports of China conducting its first known launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine.

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Nato chief Mark Rutte said the alliance “cannot be naive” about China’s military build-up, after the nation conducted its first known launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine.

Rutte highlighted the evolving global security landscape, stating that "what happens in the Indo-Pacific is relevant to what is happening in the transatlantic." He addressed reporters ahead of the military alliance's annual summit in Ankara, Turkey, emphasizing that the security concerns in the Indo-Pacific and European regions are becoming increasingly intertwined.

The NATO chief's comments underscore concerns within the alliance about China's expanding military reach and technological advancements. The reported missile launch from a submarine signifies a significant development in China's strategic deterrent capabilities.

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What happens in the Indo-Pacific is relevant to what is happening in the transatlantic.

Rutte's statement suggests a strategic shift for NATO, acknowledging that the alliance's security interests are no longer confined to the North Atlantic and Europe but extend to the broader global context, including the Indo-Pacific.

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The Indo-Pacific and European theatres were becoming “more intertwined”, as was also shown by China’s support for...