NATO Secretary General Warns of Increased Threats from North Korea, China, and Iran
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that if negotiations on the Ukraine war end unfavorably for Ukraine, it could lead to increased threats from North Korea, China, and Iran. In an interview with the Financial Times, Rutte stated that if the U.S. helps conclude the Ukraine conflict in a way that benefits Russia, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, Russian leaders, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian leaders might celebrate.
He stressed that such a scenario should be avoided as it could become a serious long-term security threat not only for Europe but also for the United States. Rutte highlighted the reinforcement of alliances among these adversaries as a security threat to the U.S., pointing out North Korea’s potential transfer of missile technology to Russia as a representative case.
Rutte asserted that North Korean missiles pose a severe threat not only to South Korea and Japan but also to the U.S. mainland. He also compared the Russian invasion of Ukraine to China’s threats toward Taiwan, cautioning that any ceasefire allowing Russia to maintain control over some Ukrainian territories would set a bad precedent, as Chinese President Xi Jinping keenly observes how the situation unfolds.
Rutte mentioned that during his meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on the 22nd of last month, he emphasized the need for ongoing military support to Ukraine to ensure negotiations occur under favorable circumstances if Ukraine seeks a ceasefire.
Additionally, NATO member countries are reportedly communicating about the issue of inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to join NATO.