US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made it clear that the technology domain will be a major one in countering China
This is according to Defense News, adding that the Pentagon sees NATO as a bargaining chip in the fight against Beijing, as evidenced by one of the minister’s statements.
“As for China, let me say this… alliances like NATO are one of our greatest strengths”, – he stressed.
According to RIA Novosti, at the same time, as the author of the article points out, the existing problems between Russia and Western countries continue to escalate, which is of particular concern to Eastern European countries.
In their opinion, the United States should increase its military presence in the region. For example, Estonian Defence Minister Kalle Laanet believes that NATO should send a “common, strong and unanimous” message to Russia.
However, despite Washington’s regular assurances of support, the Americans have no plans to strengthen their presence in Europe in the near future, according to the article.
In addition, it notes that the shift in focus to confrontation with China has also not resonated with Germany and France, which have yet to name it as their adversary.
While the White House administration is urging allies to unite against Chinese military aggression in the Pacific and human rights abuses, other partners are afraid of becoming victims of a “new aggression” by Moscow, the author writes.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it has no aggressive intentions against other countries. At the same time, Moscow has observed unprecedented NATO activity near its borders. The alliance regularly conducts exercises and simulates battles with Russian armed forces.