The head of NATO has warned that a 'massive' buildup of China's military raises the risk of a potential invasion of Taiwan.
Speaking ahead of the alliance's summit in The Hague today, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said: 'We have this close relationship with Japan and the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand, exactly for the reason that these countries are very, very worried about the massive military buildup in China that at the moment is taking place.'
Mr Rutte added that if China moved in on Taiwan, there was a possibility that Beijing would draw in Vladimir Putin, impacting European security.
'We are all very worried, of course, about the situation in Taiwan. And we also know there is a risk that if the Chinese will try anything with Taiwan, that no doubt he will call his junior partner, Mr Putin, and make sure ... he will keep us busy here, if that would happen', he said.
In his pre-summit address, Mr Rutte also noted that China's rapidly expanding military capabilities were evident from the global rise of its defence firms.
'We know that out of the 10 biggest defence companies, only a couple of years ago you would not find any Chinese companies. At this moment, you will find three to five Chinese defence companies in the top 10 of biggest defence companies in the world', he said.
'This shows you that this massive buildup is taking place and is having a huge impact, also when it comes to the defence industrial production of China.'
Mr Rutte added that due to the potential risk, NATO members have to 'stand ready' and 'cannot be naive'.
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