NATO thanks Australia for sending aircraft to watch for Russian threats
NATO Secretary General argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is so confident in the support of Chinese President Xi Jinping that any aggression by China in the Asia-Pacific will lead to Russian moves in Europe.
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“We recognize that the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific cannot be viewed as two separate theaters,” he said.
“These things together: North Korea and China support Russia’s war effort, and Iran supports Russia’s war effort.
“And we know that if China does something against Taiwan, Putin will most likely be forced by Xi Jinping to take action against NATO.
“So we have to be ready. We have to work together. We have to train together. We have to supply together.”
Rutte said this did not mean drawing Indo-Pacific partners into a mutual defense agreement, given that Article 5 of the NATO agreement says that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members.
Instead, he called for stronger cooperation between NATO and Indo-Pacific partners Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. In response to a question from the ABC, he emphasized the value of Australia’s contribution with Wedgetail.
“This practical cooperation is really important and I highly value this relationship with your proud nation,” he said.
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