If China moves on Taiwan, Russia may strike Europe, NATO chief warns

China could urge Russia to launch attacks in Europe if it invades Taiwan, potentially triggering a second front during a Pacific war, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview with Bild. Rutte warned that a victorious Russia would pose a far greater threat to NATO than it does now. He said Ukraine must receive firm long-term security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.

China and Russia could coordinate offensives

Talking to Bild, Rutte stated. 

“We see the worldwide connection between China and Russia. China is looking at Taiwan. And I am convinced: if China proceeds militarily there, it will push its junior partner Russia under Putin’s leadership to keep us busy here in Europe,” Rutte said.

He emphasized that the threat was no longer hypothetical, describing the current geopolitical moment as “the most dangerous time since the end of World War II.” According to him, this makes it critical for European nations to invest in their own defense, boost military production, and strengthen NATO’s deterrence capabilities.

Supporting Ukraine now is important

Despite Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, its military progress in 2025 has been negligible. 

“This year, he [Putin] made only very small progress – minimal territorial gains, under 1% of Ukrainian territory compared to the start of the year,” Rutte said. He added that the cost to Russia has been staggering: “According to our estimates, up to 1.1 million people have been killed or wounded on the Russian side.”

Rutte warned that if Russia were to capture all of Ukraine, the consequences for NATO would be massive. 

“If Russia got all of Ukraine under control, that would have massive effects on NATO – and we would have to spend much more than what we agreed in The Hague,” he said. 

He insisted that supporting Ukraine now is strategically wiser than facing a victorious Russia later.

Rutte outlines three-part plan to guarantee Ukraine’s security

Looking ahead, Rutte said that Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed after a ceasefire or peace deal. 

“Putin must understand that another attack would be devastating for him,” he said, outlining a three-layered plan to deter future aggression.

First, Ukraine’s own armed forces must remain capable and resilient. 

“They are doing extraordinary things in this war, but they also need to be able to protect the country after a war or a long-term ceasefire,” Rutte noted.

Second, a “coalition of the willing” led by France and the UK – with Germany and others involved – would support Ukraine beyond its military alone. 

“This coalition will provide everything necessary to ensure Putin doesn't dare to try again,” he said.

Third, the US would play a vital deterrent role. Rutte pointed out that “the American President said in August he wanted to participate,” referring to President Donald Trump.