During a recent visit to Beijing, former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed concerns over the growing alliance between China and Russia, led by Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, respectively. Rasmussen highlighted the strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing China's support for Russia through economic aid and military cooperation.
Rasmussen characterized the joint efforts of China and Russia as a deliberate attempt to undermine freedom and democracy on a global scale. He noted that both leaders aim to reduce the influence of the United States and its allies, advocating for a world order dominated by authoritarian regimes.
The former NATO chief emphasized the importance of responding to such threats with firmness and power, asserting that tyrants like Putin and Xi only understand the language of strength. Rasmussen called for a robust and united approach from democratic nations to counter the authoritarian ambitions of China and Russia.
The meeting between Putin and Xi in Beijing was viewed as a symbolic display of solidarity against Western democracies, with implications for the geopolitical landscape. Rasmussen's remarks underscored the need for a coordinated response to safeguard democratic values and deter the expansion of autocratic regimes.