Nato warns of Taiwan clash as it sounds alarm over the buildup of Chinese military

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has said that China's "massive" military buildup has raised the risk of an armed conflict with Taiwan, potentially drawing in Russia and affecting European security.

- MAROOSHA MUZAFFAR

Mr Rutte said Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand were closely aligned with Nato now because they were deeply concerned about the threat China poses to them. "We have this close relationship... exactly for the reason that these countries are very, very worried about the massive military buildup in China," he said ahead of the Nato summit in The Hague.

If China moved on Taiwan, Mr Rutte claimed, there was a real possibility Beijing would urge Russia to create trouble in Europe so as to divide Nato's attention and resources. "That's one of the reasons why we have to stand ready, and we cannot be naive," Mr Rutte added.

"We have to be clear on this, and that is why that extra defence spending is so important. That is why Nato does not have an alliance opt-out, side deals, etc, because we all have to chip in." Beijing routinely sends warplanes and naval vessels towards Taiwan, with the scale and intensity of these manoeuvres increasing in recent years. Taiwanese officials have warned that China might use such exercises as cover for a surprise attack.