Terrifying new World War 3 warning issued by NATO chief amid Russia and China threat
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in an interview that the world is at a 'moment of truth'
NATO's Secretary-General has sounded the alarm on the escalating threat from Russia and China, suggesting their burgeoning partnership is edging the world closer to World War 3. Mark Rutte, who assumed his role in October 2024, characterized the Moscow-Beijing axis as a direct challenge to worldwide peace, especially as both powers become more assertive in their territorial claims.
Rutte outlined a scenario where Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine and China's increased military posturing towards Taiwan seem to be aligning, heightening the risk of a broader conflict. He expressed: "What is happening in Ukraine has direct links to what might potentially happen around Taiwan.
There is a link between Russia and China here. And if the West gets this wrong, we may be forced into the worst possible scenario." He explicitly warned that such a scenario could lead to a global war.
Speaking to the New York Times, Mr. Rutte cautioned: "If Ukraine falls, the message to President Xi is: You can go ahead with Taiwan, because the West will not stand up for its values." While he stopped short of declaring war as a certainty, the former Dutch Prime Minister depicted a dire outlook of mounting global instability unless democratic nations demonstrate solidarity and determination.
He concluded: "We are really at a moment where all of this comes together. This is not just about Ukraine. It is about global stability." As NATO gears up to celebrate its 75th anniversary, concerns loom over the potential impact of a second Trump term on the alliance.
Dutch politician Mr Rutte, having been in charge in the Netherlands for 14 years before transitioning to Brussels, conceded that Mr Trump's aggressive stance on defense spending compelled European countries to "step up."
He admitted: "Eight countries at 2% this year would never have happened without Trump. The whole of NATO committing to 5% would not have happened without President Trump."
Nevertheless, he also emphasized that any sign of US retreat from NATO or hesitancy in defending an ally could embolden adversaries such as Moscow and Beijing. Mr Rutte cautioned: "In that case we are in serious trouble."
His statements arrive amidst ongoing declarations by Chinese officials categorizing Taiwan as a "domestic matter" and threatening military repercussions if the island seeks formal independence. Concurrently, Russia presses forward with the conflict in Ukraine, with President Putin bragging about military gains and hinting at the possible use of tactical nukes if Western forces were to intervene.
When queried about NATO's endurance amid diverging democratic principles among members, Mr Rutte avoided direct critique of countries like Hungary or Turkey but affirmed the strength of NATO. He asserted: "Of course, there are debates on values. That's exactly why this alliance is so alive and so strong."
Mr. Rutte also came to the defense of the U.S., dismissing concerns over democratic erosion amid Mr. Trump's controversial statements. "I think the US is still one of the strongest democracies on Earth," he asserted.
On the topic of NATO's viability without the U.S., Mr. Rutte was unequivocal: "It won't come to that. I have no doubt of America being the leader in the world and also within NATO."
Yet, he implied there were frank exchanges away from public scrutiny, especially concerning sensitive issues like Hungary's Russian relations or potential threats to NATO partners such as Canada or Greenland.
"Sometimes internally, without the press there - and that is not very democratic, but that's the only way to do it - you have your discussions and your debates," he acknowledged.
Despite internal strains within the alliance, Mr. Rutte emphasized that tackling the united threat from Russia and China is unavoidable. "This is about preventing a global conflict. If we get it wrong in Ukraine, the next flashpoint could be in Asia - and by then, it may be too late."
