NATO general points to increasing strength of China, Russia

WASHINGTON - 17 November 2017: NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Denis Mercier said that the “risk for a major interstate conflict has increased” in recent years, pointing to a shift in military and economic power to countries like China and Russia.

During an address to the Atlantic Council, Mercier noted that China is leveraging its economic power to increase defense spending as a foundation of the growing global power strategy, The Hill reported Friday.

“The neighboring India is following the same path and could reach a comparable status in the medium term. At the same time, Russia is resurfacing with the will to become a major power again, challenging the established order in the former Soviet space," he said.

Mercier highlighted some of the major trends, including a worldwide shift in economic and military power from North America and western Europe to countries like China and Russia.

The report noted that China and Russia are major defense spenders, with China spending around $215 billion on defense in 2015. It also mentions that among NATO countries, 22 declared increased defense spending in 2016.

The report predicted that this trend will continue, stating, “Asia-Pacific economies are projected to drive 60% of the total global increase in defense acquisition, research and development and 30% of the total defense acquisition budget through 2020."

According to the report, the shift in political power will require NATO to develop stronger ties with more countries.