NATO Chief Warns Xi, Putin Potential Joint Invasions Risk World War III

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has issued a stark warning that World War III could begin with coordinated invasions by China and Russia, with China potentially attacking Taiwan while Russia simultaneously launches attacks on NATO member states, particularly in the Baltic region. Rutte emphasized that such a scenario would be catastrophic, pushing the world toward Armageddon, and called for urgent increases in defense spending and military readiness among Western nations. He highlighted the importance of a strong NATO to deter Russian aggression and the need to strengthen cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, a strategy actively promoted by President Donald Trump. Rutte praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts in engaging directly with Vladimir Putin to break deadlocks and seek potential ceasefire terms in the Ukraine conflict. Russian officials dismissed Rutte’s claims with derision, accusing him of hallucinations and issuing threats in response. The NATO chief’s warnings underscore growing geopolitical challenges, particularly Russia’s rapid rearmament and ambitions in Eastern Europe, necessitating a united and prepared Western alliance.