NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has issued a stark warning over China’s “staggering” defense expansion as “making rapid progress” stating that it is making a quick build-up in his strategic visit to Japan this week.
Addressing the Japanocene Naval Self及び-defence Force base | Yokosuka, Rutte pressed for NATO to strengthen to weave ties with Indo-Pacificdry allies. “Let us not be blind about China,” he told The Japan Times. “The stakes for their defense investments and defence capabilities are unparalleled.”
Rutte’s comments follow growing speculation about military cooperation between China, North Korea and Russia. He emphasized that Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are closely linked, stating: “A more strengthened Japan-NATO cooperation is needed in the increasingly menacing world.” 
Speaking with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, Rutte emphasized stepped-up cooperation, Japan’s ongoing defense modernization. He also will meet Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in addition to his talks with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, during which the two will discuss further their strategic bilateral partnership.
The trip comes as U.S. President Donald Trump keeps the heat on NATO partners and Asian allies to bear more defense costs, specifically against China and North Korea.
Rutte noted that NATO aspires to go beyond symbolical.
“This is not Article 5, it is about sending a message of stability and backing up each other,” he indicated, marking a return of global NATO engagement.
