NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed concerns over China’s growing military power and its maneuvers near Taiwan, urging alliance members and other countries to work together to maintain free and open maritime navigation in the region.
“China is supporting Russia’s war efforts. China is rapidly expanding its armed forces, including its navy,” Rutte stated to reporters during his visit to the Japanese maritime port of Yokosuka on Tuesday.
Japan regards China as a threat to the region and has increased its military efforts in recent years to consolidate its capabilities, according to the AP news agency.
Rutte addressed concerns about the security guarantees of the United States in the region, stating that the U.S. had asked NATO to be more involved in the Asia-Pacific issues.
“I am here to expand our ties with the IP4 (the Quad, which consists of Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand),” he added.
Rutte is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday in Tokyo.
