NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte pointed out that the CCP is expanding its military capabilities and bullying Taiwan, urging all parties to take the CCP’s expansionist ambitions seriously. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded partners such as the G7 and NATO to jointly defend peace in the Taiwan Strait.
In a speech titled “To Prevent War, NATO Must Spend More” at a seminar hosted by Carnegie Europe in Brussels on the 12th, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called on NATO allies to adopt a “wartime mindset”, significantly increase defense production and spending to strengthen deterrence and defend the way of life based on freedom and democracy.
Rutte also called on all parties to take the CCP’s expansionist ambitions seriously, pointing out that the CCP is rapidly enhancing its military capabilities and continues to bully Taiwan. In a Q&A session following the speech, Rutte further noted that if Russia and Ukraine engage in peaceful negotiations in the future and Russia gains a favorable position, the CCP may follow suit and “encroach upon” Taiwan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that this was Secretary-General Rutte’s first public speech since taking office on October 1st, clearly highlighting the nature and actions of the CCP’s expansion, as well as its aggressive ambitions towards Taiwan, actively calling on the international community to address the challenges posed by the CCP, Russia, North Korea, and Iran to global peace and security. At a time when authoritarian countries are continuously expanding their aggressive ambitions outward, Secretary-General Rutte’s remarks hold greater significance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) pointed out that in the face of authoritarian countries strengthening cooperation, disrupting regional peace and stability, and undermining the international order, Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to cooperate with like-minded partners such as the G7 and NATO to jointly defend peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait region.