NATO chief issues chilling 4 word warning over China | World | News

The head of NATO has issued a four-word warning over China as it continues to beef up its military forces, saying « we cannot be naive ». Mark Rutte raised concern about China’s arms buildup and military drills near Taiwan during a visit to a Japanese base in Yokosuka.

The NATO Secretary General told reporters: “China is supporting Russia’s efforts. China is building up its armed forces, including its navy, at a rapid pace. We cannot be naive, and we really have to work together, assess what is happening.”

He said NATO is concerned about China’s military exercises near Taiwan, adding the alliance “follow them very closely”.

China has been rapidly advancing its military capabilities in recent years and is believed to have the biggest navy in the world.

It claims Taiwan as part of its territory, viewing the self-ruled island nation as a breakaway province.

Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to take Taiwan with G7 foreign ministers expressing “deep concern” over the latest drills by China’s forces around the island.

Japan considers China as a threat in the region and in recent years has strengthened its defences, including plans to purchase long-range cruise missiles.

Japan has been expanding its defence ties with nations in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and NATO, saying Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows security risks in Europe and Asia are inseparable.

NATO has stepped up its links in the Indo-Pacific and Mr Rutte said the US wants alliance members to be more involved in the region.

Mr Rutte is set to hold talks with Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as he makes his first visit to the nation as Secretary General.

Mr Ishiba has suggested a NATO-like alliance for Asia amid growing tensions in the region. China has criticised NATO’s growing ties to the Indo-Pacific.

It comes as a Royal Navy aircraft carrier and other warships prepare to set sail to the region as part of an eight-month deployment.

The UK says the operation will help reaffirm British commitment to security in the area, as well as providing an opportunity to promote UK trade and industry. Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales will make a stop off in Japan as part of the deployment.