NATO's New Front: Confronting the Dual Threat of Russia and China

NATO has more than one enemy to worry about, and it’s beginning to see that. Last week, NATO celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history. Originally formed to protect Western European democracies against the threat of communism from the Soviet Union, NATO now faces new challenges from both Russia and China. The recent summit in Washington, DC, highlighted these concerns, emphasizing the need for NATO to up its game against these emerging threats.

Key Takeaways

• NATO is increasingly concerned about China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
• The alliance is also wary of China’s cyber activities, space capabilities, and expanding nuclear arsenal.
• NATO’s strategic documents have been evolving to address the growing influence and assertive behavior of China.

NATO’s 75th Anniversary: A New Era of Challenges

NATO was formed to protect Western European democracies against the threat of communism from the Soviet Union. While the Soviet Union is long gone, Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has made it clear that NATO needs to up its game. But it’s not just Russia that NATO is worried about; China has also become a significant concern.

During the summit in Washington, DC, NATO called out China in its Washington Summit Declaration. The declaration stated, “The [People’s Republic of China] has become a decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine through its so-called ‘no limits’ partnership and its large-scale support for Russia’s defense industrial base.”

China’s Support for Russia: A Growing Concern

Among the many things China has been caught sending to Russia are:

• Flak jackets and helmets
• Drones
• Body armor
• Rifles
• Satellite imaging

Ukrainians have also found Chinese components in Russian weapons, navigation systems in aerial drones, fire control systems in Russian tanks, and even fighter jet parts. This extensive support has led NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to state, “Beijing continues to fuel the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War Two.”

Cyber and Hybrid Threats from China

The Washington Summit Declaration also highlighted the systemic challenges posed by China to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO has observed sustained malicious cyber and hybrid activities, including disinformation, stemming from China. Chinese hackers have been involved in stealing intellectual property from the US and targeting European government entities.

The Stratcom division of the European External Action Service, the EU’s anti-disinformation unit, noted that even Chinese diplomatic channels are involved in spreading disinformation. This makes it crucial for NATO to remain vigilant against these cyber threats.

Space and Nuclear Capabilities: A New Frontier

NATO expressed concern about developments in China’s space capabilities and activities. Despite China’s claims that its space programs are peaceful, the reality is quite different. China has been placing a significant number of satellites in space, many of which are designed for surveillance and reconnaissance.

China’s rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal is another area of concern for NATO. The Washington Summit Declaration noted that NATO might face something unprecedented: two nuclear-powered potential adversaries—China and Russia. This has led NATO to consider putting nuclear weapons out of storage and on standby.

The Evolving NATO Strategy

NATO has been aware of the growing threat from China for years. In 2019, NATO’s London Declaration acknowledged that “China’s growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges.” By 2021, the Brussels Summit Communiqué stated that “China’s stated ambitions and assertive behavior present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to Alliance security.”

The 2022 Strategic Concept further elaborated on how China seeks control over key technological and industrial sectors, critical infrastructures, and strategic materials and supply chains. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg emphasized, “We must not repeat that mistake with China. Depending on its money, its raw materials, its technologies – dependencies make us vulnerable.”

Conclusion: A Call to Action

NATO’s evolving strategy reflects a growing recognition of the dual threats posed by Russia and China. The alliance must remain vigilant and adapt to these new challenges to ensure the security of its member states. As NATO continues to navigate this complex landscape, it is crucial for European and American businesses to reconsider their engagements with China to avoid strategic dependencies that could compromise security.