NATO chief warns of China's military buildup in Asia

In Japan, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed significant concerns regarding China's increasing military activities, particularly its arms buildup and drills near Taiwan. This statement was made during his visit to Yokosuka, a Japanese navy port, where he met with local defense officials. Rutte highlighted that China's rapid military expansion is alarming and pointed out that China is also supporting Russia's endeavors in the region, which further complicates global security dynamics. The rising tension has prompted Japan to accelerate its military capabilities, especially by preparing to acquire long-range cruise missiles. This urgency reflects Japan's perception of China as a regional threat. The Secretary General emphasized that NATO's alliance must be vigilant and collaborative in assessing China's military actions while maintaining open sea lanes. He mentioned ongoing concerns about security in both Asia and Europe, particularly given the interconnected risks highlighted by Russia's war on Ukraine. Consequently, there is a growing interest among NATO members, including the United States, to increase engagement and defense cooperation with Indo-Pacific nations, such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand — collectively referred to as the IP4. Meanwhile, Beijing has expressed discomfort with the strengthening relations between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, perceiving them as a potential challenge to its regional supremacy.