The ongoing war in Ukraine has raised concerns about the threshold for using nuclear weapons, particularly as Russian President Vladimir Putin has made statements suggesting a strategic leveraging of nuclear capabilities to deter Western involvement [8afc8a76]. In response, China has called for nuclear powers to 'jointly seek de-escalation' and embrace the idea of common security [8afc8a76]. China is rapidly expanding its own nuclear arsenal and launch capabilities, with its warhead count expected to rise from around 500 to over 1,000 by the end of the decade [8afc8a76].
A representative of China's Ministry Of Defense allegedly said that Beijing is 'ready to intervene' if the United States or NATO decide to attack Russia [88e79084]. This comes as the intergovernmental military alliance and Moscow are at odds since Sweden officially joined NATO earlier this month. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned NATO and the West that Moscow was ready for nuclear war if the US sent troops to Ukraine. Meanwhile, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called on allies to urgently send more ammunition to Ukraine [88e79084].
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has warned of an 'alliance of authoritarian powers' threatening Western democracies [709b7988]. Stoltenberg highlighted the increasing partnership between Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, stating that the alliance is 'more dangerous' and 'much more unpredictable' and 'violent' than ever before [709b7988]. He mentioned that China is supporting the Russian war economy, while Russia is providing weapons to Iran and North Korea [709b7988]. Stoltenberg urged NATO allies to contribute more money to support the Ukrainian war effort [709b7988]. He also expressed concerns about the possibility of a NATO country becoming fully involved in a conflict with one of the 'authoritarian' countries, potentially leading to World War III [709b7988]. Stoltenberg emphasized the need for NATO to send a clear message to Russia and urged the country to do more to reduce civilian casualties in the conflict [709b7988]. He called for long-term funding for Ukraine and stated that NATO allies are working with other countries, including Japan and South Korea, to counter the aggression of the 'authoritarian powers' [709b7988].
A report titled 'The Authoritarian Nexus: How Russia and China Undermine Democracy Worldwide' by the International Republican Institute examines the relationship between China and Russia in their efforts to weaken democratic institutions and bolster autocratic governance worldwide [69e3927b]. The report reveals that China and Russia exploit weak governments, empower corruption, and engage in disinformation campaigns to achieve their respective interests. They also support human rights abuses, instability, and environmental damage in exchange for economic benefits [69e3927b]. The report includes nine country case studies, highlighting how authoritarian actors from both countries overlap and complement each other's actions to influence the politics and governance of other nations [69e3927b]. The report emphasizes the need to address these challenges and protect democratic norms and institutions [69e3927b].
The article 'NATO needs to take punitive measures against Erdogan, here's why - opinion' argues that NATO should take punitive measures against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan due to his human rights violations and defiance of Western allies [15fc27ad]. The author highlights Erdogan's violations, including arbitrary detentions, infringements of freedom of association and expression, and violations of the right to work and freedom of movement [15fc27ad]. Erdogan also sought the extradition of Turkish citizens from other countries and engaged in torture and ill-treatment [15fc27ad]. The article further discusses Erdogan's defiance of Western allies, including Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and military interventions in Syria [15fc27ad]. Erdogan's threats to invade Greece and annex parts of Cyprus are seen as undermining the safety and security of the region [15fc27ad]. The article suggests several punitive measures that NATO could take, including economic sanctions, limiting Turkey's cooperation and participation in NATO activities, freezing or terminating agreements, and exerting diplomatic pressure [15fc27ad]. The author argues that NATO cannot compromise its core values and must weigh Turkey's contribution to the alliance against Erdogan's defiance [15fc27ad].