Alexus Hrynkiewicz: NATO Is Preparing For Simultaneous Conflicts With Russia And China

• 17.07.2025, 16:41

Beijing may turn to Moscow for support if the situation around Taiwan escalates.

NATO could simultaneously engage in conflict with both Russia and China in the next two years, admitted Alexus Hrynkiewicz, commander-in-chief of the alliance's Combined Armed Forces in Europe, The Guardian.

He said the alliance should prepare for a situation in which Beijing could turn to Moscow for support if the situation around Taiwan escalates.

"Those of you who listen to our wonderful Secretary General [of NATO] Mark Rutte are aware of his warning that most likely before [Chinese leader] Si Jinping decides to cross the Taiwan Strait, he will call his friend Putin and ask for help," Hrynkiewicz said.

"To me, this means that both events could happen at the same time," he continued, adding that at that time the alliance would need all available munitions and weapons in maximum quantities.

Grynkiewicz noted that China would likely be ready for a military move by 2027. He added that a scenario in which Beijing turns to the Kremlin for help would create a need for NATO to respond to two crises at once - in Europe and the Pacific.

When it comes to the situation in Europe, Hrynkiewicz said that even if a peace agreement on Ukraine is reached, "Russia will undoubtedly remain a constant threat." He emphasized that Russian capabilities will recover after the conflict with Kiev is resolved and this should be thought about "from a military point of view."