NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed grave concern over China's growing buildup of weapons and intense military exercises near Taiwan (see also AVIONEWS). Speaking to reporters at the end of his visit to the Japanese naval port of Yokosuka, he called on Alliance member States and allied Nations to work together actively to ensure free and open navigation in the crucial sea lanes of the Indo-Pacific region.

“China is actively supporting Russia’s efforts", the secretary said, highlighting a link that is causing growing concern among Western powers. “In parallel, Beijing is building up its military, including its Navy, at an alarming rate".

The Atlantic Alliance's leader stressed the need for constant vigilance and a coordinated approach to these dynamics. "We cannot afford to be naive. It is imperative that we work together, carefully assessing the ongoing developments", he warned. In particular, the Secretary General expressed NATO's concern about Chinese military maneuvers near Taiwan, a geopolitically sensitive area. "We are following these exercises very closely", he assured, underlining the organization's attention to the evolution of the situation in the Taiwan Strait.

The high-ranking official's statements come in an international context marked by growing tensions between China and Taiwan, with the latter accusing Beijing of military intimidation. The alliance between China and Russia, which has manifested itself in various areas, represents a further element of complexity for global balances. The Secretary General's call for unity underscores the growing awareness within the organization of the global role that China is assuming and of the need for a cohesive response from Western democracies to preserve regional stability and freedom of navigation, which is vital for international trade. Rutte's words could herald greater involvement by NATO in the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, in coordination with regional partners such as Japan.