"Let us not be naive about China," Rutte stated in an interview with the Japan Times. He highlighted the "staggering" build-up of China's armed forces, significant investments in its defense industry, and overall defense capabilities.
US Pressure and NATO's Role
Rutte's comments come amid growing pressure from the United States, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency, for NATO members to increase their military spending. Simultaneously, the US has been urging its Asia-Pacific allies to strengthen their own militaries to counter China and contain North Korea.
Rutte emphasized the US desire for NATO to be more involved in the region, not necessarily in the context of Article 5 (collective defense), but in terms of projecting power and mutual support within the alliance.
"More and more the US wants NATO to be more involved (in the region). Not in an Article 5 sense, but in a sense of projecting power, having each other’s back within NATO,” Rutte said.
Strengthening Ties with Asia-Pacific Partners
NATO has been actively strengthening its relationships with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand – collectively known as the IP4. Leaders from these countries have been invited to attend NATO summits, signaling a closer alignment.
Rutte indicated that NATO aims to elevate these partnerships by enhancing information-sharing and defense-industrial cooperation. He stressed the need to move beyond symbolic joint declarations and focus on practical collaboration.
"We have to move beyond… joint declarations… let’s make it practical,” said Rutte.
Japan's Increased Military Cooperation
Japan has also been expanding its military cooperation with European nations. In November, Japan and the European Union announced a new security and defense partnership, further solidifying ties between the two regions.
Key Takeaways:
- NATO is concerned about China's rapid military expansion.
- The US is pushing for increased military spending and regional involvement.
- NATO is strengthening ties with Asia-Pacific partners (IP4).
- Japan is increasing military cooperation with European countries.
Article 5 of the NATO Treaty:
Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that if a member nation is attacked, all other members will consider it an attack on themselves and will take collective action in response.