UK to Reassess Defense Amid 'Deadly Quartet' Threat

Former NATO chief George Robertson, now leading the UK's defense review, has emphasized the need for Britain and its NATO allies to prepare for the 'deadly quartet' of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, who are increasingly collaborating against the West. This rhetoric marks a shift from viewing China merely as a 'systemic challenge' to acknowledging it as a significant threat, reflecting concerns from the recent NATO summit. The summit declaration labeled China a 'decisive enabler' of Russia's Ukraine invasion and highlighted its growing military capabilities and coercive policies. The defense review, announced by the new British Defense Secretary John Healey, will include external experts and aim to reassess the UK's defense priorities amid global turmoil and technological advancements. The review's outcomes will guide future defense spending and policy direction, as the UK government commits to potentially raising defense spending to 2.5% of GDP.