Archive · 12 Sep 2026
NATO Chief Warns China Could Coordinate Russia During Taiwan Attack
NATO chief Mark Rutte discussed what might happen if China attacked Taiwan.
He said China could ask Russia to create problems in Europe at the same time.
This would make it harder for Western countries to respond in both places.
Rutte said Europe and the Indo-Pacific are now closely connected in security matters.
He warned that Russia remains a long-term threat.
He also said NATO should not be naive about making an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The comments were made at a conference in Berlin.
Rutte also said governments should continue with economic reforms they believe are necessary.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that China and Russia could create simultaneous security crises.
Rutte said Xi Jinping might ask Vladimir Putin to keep the West occupied in Europe.
He said a Chinese move against Taiwan or the First Island Chain could affect Europe.
Rutte described Europe and the Indo-Pacific as increasingly interconnected security theaters.
He called Russia a long-term threat and warned NATO against being naive about accommodation efforts.
- Who
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed a potential Chinese move against Taiwan and possible Russian involvement.
- What
- Rutte warned that China could seek Russia's help to keep the West occupied in Europe during a Taiwan-related conflict.
- When
- September 12, 2026.
- Where
- At the Conference of the Heads of German Missions in Berlin, Germany.
- Why
- Rutte said Europe and the Indo-Pacific are increasingly interconnected and that a conflict in one region could create serious problems in both.
- Speaker
- Mark Rutte, NATO secretary general
- Potential trigger
- A Chinese move against Taiwan or anywhere in the First Island Chain
- Possible Russian role
- Keeping the West occupied in Europe, according to Rutte
- Security concern
- The West could face serious problems in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific
- Rutte's view of Russia
- Russia represents a long-term threat
- Event location
- Berlin, Germany