China’s military expansion is “stunning,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said during a visit to Japan that began on Monday, aimed at showcasing the alliance’s power in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Let’s not be naive about China. The build-up of their armed forces, the investment in their defense industry and the development of their defense capabilities are staggering,” Rutte told the Japan Times.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressuring other NATO members, mostly European ones, to increase their defense spending.
At the same time, Trump wants allies in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen their military capabilities to counter China and contain North Korea.
“The United States increasingly wants NATO to be involved in this region. Not in the sense of Article 5, but in the sense of showing strength and mutual support within the alliance,” Rutte said.
NATO’s Article 5 stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, and that all will take measures accordingly.
Rutte is scheduled to visit the Yokosuka naval base today and meet with senior Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday.
NATO has sought to strengthen ties with Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand in recent years.
Rutte is scheduled to visit the Yokosuka naval base, located south of Tokyo, later today. Tomorrow, he will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other high-ranking officials.
In recent years, NATO has been working to deepen its partnerships with countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, inviting their leaders to participate in NATO summits.
“We need to move beyond joint statements and take real, tangible steps,” said Rutte, who assumed the role of NATO Secretary General in October.
Japan has been expanding its defense cooperation with European nations, and in November, it launched a new security and defense partnership with the European Union.
