NATO Summit sent China a ‘wake-up call’: Stavridis

Summary

In a discussion surrounding NATO's stance on the ongoing conflict, the transcript highlights the alliance's acknowledgment of Russia's aggression towards Ukraine and the right of Ukraine to defend itself. It mentions the provision of ATACMS and the potential delivery of F-16s to Ukraine. There's a debate on the U.S.'s reluctance to escalate by striking Russian bases and the suggestion to use economic leverage against China for its alleged support to Russia through dual-use technology transfers. The conversation also touches on NATO's collective message to China and the irreversible path for membership.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The ongoing nature of the conflict is emphasized, with no conclusion yet in sight.
• 🌟 NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg is praised for his leadership and is set to be interviewed post-summit.
• 🏰 The U.S. is highlighted as the main holdout against international law, with ongoing discussions about the war of aggression initiated by Russia.
• 🛡 Ukraine's right to self-defense is acknowledged, with the mention of military capabilities such as ATACMS and F-16s.
• 💥 A call for the U.S. administration to change course and provide Ukraine with the means to strike within Russia is made.
• 🤝 Allies of the U.S. are noted to have significant systems and are willing to go deeper inside Russia.
• 🚫 The fear of escalation with Russia, a nuclear power, is a recurring theme in the reluctance to send certain military aid.
• 🎯 A proposal is made to give Ukraine the ability to strike 400 kilometers inside Russia as a deterrent.
• 📍 Discussion about moving the joint command or coordinating command to Germany is met with objections from Russia.
• 🇨🇳 China is called out for providing dual-use technology and material support to Russia, which could be used in military applications.
• 🛑 A strong message from NATO to China about the potential imposition of sanctions if they continue aiding Russia is conveyed.

Q & A

What is the significance of the last NATO summit mentioned in the transcript?

The last NATO summit is significant because it marks the end of an era with Secretary General Stoltenberg's leadership, who has been praised as an extraordinary leader for the alliance.

Why is the U.S. considered the 'lone holdout' against international law according to the transcript?

The U.S. is seen as the 'lone holdout' because it has been hesitant to escalate the conflict by providing certain military support to Ukraine, such as ATACMS, Abrams tanks, Patriot batteries, and F-16s, despite the ongoing aggression from Russia.

What is the stance of the speaker regarding the provision of military support to Ukraine?

The speaker advocates for a more aggressive stance, suggesting the U.S. should provide military support to Ukraine, including the ability to strike deep inside Russia, as a deterrent to Russian aggression.

What is the speaker's proposed solution to the situation involving Russia's aggression?

The speaker proposes giving Ukraine the capability to strike 400 kilometers inside Russia and warning Putin that as long as Russia continues to strike Ukrainian targets, their systems will be at risk from U.S.-built systems.

What is the context of the discussion about China's involvement in the conflict?

The discussion about China's involvement focuses on accusations that China is providing dual-use technology and material to Russia, which could be used in military applications, thus indirectly supporting the aggression against Ukraine.

What is the significance of the message from NATO to China regarding the conflict?

The message from NATO to China is a warning that if China continues to provide support to Russia, it may face sanctions from the alliance, which has significant economic leverage due to its collective GDP.

What is the role of the Joint Command or Coordinating Command in the context of the NATO summit?

The Joint Command or Coordinating Command is a significant part of NATO's military structure, and its relocation to Germany is one of the big steps outlined in the summit's communiqué.

What is the implication of the mention of 'dual-use technology' in the transcript?

The mention of 'dual-use technology' implies that certain civilian technologies could be repurposed for military use, such as a chip that could be inserted into a drone system, potentially aiding Russia in the conflict.

How does the speaker view the potential economic leverage of NATO against China?

The speaker believes that NATO, with its collective economic power, has the ability to impose sanctions on China if it continues to provide support to Russia, which could serve as a strong deterrent.

What is the reference to 'an irreversible path for membership' in the transcript?

The reference to 'an irreversible path for membership' suggests that NATO is committed to a clear and unchangeable process for countries wishing to join the alliance, indicating a strong stance on expansion and commitment to its principles.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 NATO's Stance on Russia and China

The script discusses NATO's final summit under Secretary General Stoltenberg, who is praised for his leadership. It addresses the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine's right to self-defense, and the U.S.'s reluctance to strike Russian bases despite possessing the capability. The conversation also hints at a potential policy shift by the U.S. administration. The script further criticizes Russia's objections to NATO's decisions and highlights China's role in providing dual-use technology to Russia, which could be used in military applications. The NATO alliance is portrayed as a collective force warning China of potential sanctions if it continues to support Russia in the conflict.

Keywords

💡NATO Summit

The NATO Summit is a meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's member countries. It is a key event for decision-making and setting the alliance's agenda. In the video's context, it is mentioned as 'his last big NATO summit,' referring to Stoltenberg's leadership and the significance of the event for the alliance's future direction.

💡Stoltenberg

Jens Stoltenberg is the Secretary General of NATO, mentioned in the script as 'a treasure to the alliance' and 'an extraordinary leader.' His role is central to the discussions and decisions made at the NATO Summit, and his views on the ongoing conflict are highlighted in the script.

💡Aggression

In international relations, 'aggression' refers to the use of military force to invade another country's territory. The script mentions Russia's 'war of aggression' as the reason for Ukraine's right to defend itself, emphasizing the unjust nature of the conflict.

💡ATACMS

ATACMS stands for Army Tactical Missile System, which is a long-range missile system. The script refers to Ukraine having 'the ATACMS,' indicating the military support they have received and their ability to strike targets within Russia.

💡F-16s

F-16s are a type of multirole fighter jet used by various air forces worldwide. The script mentions Ukraine receiving F-16s 'this summer,' which would significantly enhance their air capabilities and is a point of contention in the discussion about escalating the conflict.

💡Escalation

Escalation in the context of the video refers to increasing the intensity or scope of a conflict. The script discusses the potential for escalation if the U.S. and its allies provide more advanced weaponry to Ukraine, which could provoke a stronger response from Russia.

💡International Law

International law governs the conduct of nations and sets the legal framework for resolving disputes. The script mentions that Russia is violating international law by initiating an 'aggression war,' and Ukraine's right to self-defense is framed within this legal context.

💡Dual-Use Technology

Dual-use technology refers to items or knowledge that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The script accuses China of providing 'dual-use technology' to Russia, which could potentially support the ongoing conflict by enabling the production of military equipment.

💡Sanctions

Sanctions are economic or political measures imposed on a country to influence its behavior, often in response to violations of international law. The script discusses the possibility of imposing sanctions on China if they continue to provide support to Russia, indicating a collective response from NATO.

💡Joint Command

A joint command in military terms refers to the unified command structure that coordinates the efforts of multiple nations. The script mentions moving the 'joint command or the coordinating command to Germany,' which is a significant strategic decision in the context of the NATO alliance.

💡China

China is highlighted in the script as a potential supporter of Russia, accused of providing 'dual-use technology' and other forms of support. The script emphasizes the message from NATO to China, warning of the consequences if they continue to aid Russia in the conflict.

Highlights

Adm. Stavridis agrees with the statement that Stoltenberg is a treasure to the NATO alliance and has been an extraordinary leader.

Stoltenberg's last big NATO summit is being discussed, emphasizing his leadership.

The interview with Stoltenberg after his news conference is planned.

The ongoing conflict is acknowledged with no conclusion yet.

Ukraine's right to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression is highlighted.

The U.S. is described as almost the lone holdout against international law in the context of the conflict.

Mention of the ATACMS and the ability to strike Russian bases from a distance.

The delivery of F-16s to Ukraine is planned for this summer.

A debate on whether providing F-16s would be escalatory, especially considering Russia's attacks on civilian targets.

Prediction that the U.S. administration may change course regarding military support.

Allies with significant systems have already agreed to deeper involvement inside Russia.

Russia's status as a nuclear power is a factor in avoiding escalation.

The suggestion to provide Ukraine with systems capable of striking 400 kilometers inside Russia.

The idea of warning Putin that Russian systems will be at risk if attacks on Ukraine continue.

Russia's objection to moving the joint command or coordinating command to Germany.

The importance of NATO's collective stance against China's alleged support to Russia.

China is warned against providing dual-use technology and material that could aid Russia.

NATO's economic leverage is emphasized in dealing with China.

The communication of an irreversible path for membership in NATO.

Transcripts

CLEAR-EYED, CONTINUE, THAT THEY

ARE ONGOING.

SO THERE'S NO CONCLUSION.

ADMIRAL STAVRIDIS, I INTERRUPTED

YOU.

I'M SORRY.

YOU WERE SAYING SOMETHING THAT I

AGREE WITH, WHICH IS THAT

STOLTENBERG IS A TREASURE TO THE

ALLIANCE.

I CAN SAY THAT.

THIS IS HIS LAST BIG NATO

SUMMIT.

HE HAS BEEN AN EXTRAORDINARY

LEADER.

I'M GOING TO INTERVIEW HIM

TONIGHT AT THE CONCLUSION OF

NATO AFTER HIS NEWS CONFERENCE.

LET'S TALK ABOUT WHERE THOSE

BASES ARE AND WHY THE U.S. IS

ALMOST THE LONE HOLDOUT AGAINST

INTERNATIONAL LAW, WHICH

STOLTENBERG ARTICULATED, WHICH

IS THAT IT'S A WAR OF

AGGRESSION, RUSSIA STARTED IT,

UKRAINE HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFEND

ITSELF.

THE INCOMING IS COMING FROM

THOSE BASES.

THEY KNOW WHERE THEY ARE.

THEY HAVE GOT THE ATACMS.

THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO STRIKE

THEM.

THEY WILL HAVE F-16s THIS

SUMMER.

WHY WOULD THAT BE ESCALATORY

WHEN VLADIMIR PUTIN IS HITTING

TARGETED HITS ON A CHILDREN'S

HOSPITAL IN UKRAINE'S CAPITAL

CITY OF KYIV?

WITH MANY PEOPLE DEAD AND

INJURED.

>> I PREDICT THAT THE

ADMINISTRATION WILL CHANGE

COURSE ON THIS.

YOU ARE CORRECT, ALL OF OUR

ALLIES ESSENTIALLY THE ONES THAT

HAVE THE SIGNIFICANT SYSTEMS

HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP TO GO IN

DEEPER INSIDE RUSSIA.

THE CONVENTIONAL ANSWER TO THE

QUESTION WHY AREN'T WE DOING IT

WOULD BE, RUSSIA IS A NUCLEAR

POWER, WE DON'T WANT TO

ESCALATE.

THAT'S THE SAME LOGIC THAT WE

HAVE USED TO AVOID SENDING

ABRAMS TANKS, TO AVOID SENDING

PATRIOT BATTERIES, TO AVOID

SENDING ABOVE ALL THE F-16s.

IF WE HAD DONE THOSE THINGS

SOONER AND HAD BEEN ALSO

INCREMENTAL, WE WOULD PERHAPS BE

IN A STRONGER POSITION.

HAVING SAID THAT, IN MY VIEW,

CLEARLY THE RIGHT THING TO DO AS

WE SAY IN THE NAVY, BATTERIES

RELEASED TO THE UKRAINIANS.

I WOULD GIVE THEM A NUMBER, SAY

400 KILOMETERS INSIDE RUSSIA,

AND TELL PUTIN, THIS IS COMING.

AS LONG AS YOU CONTINUE TO

STRIKE UKRAINIAN TARGETS, YOUR

SYSTEMS WILL BE HELD AT RISK BY

SYSTEMS BUILT IN THE UNITED

STATES.

I'M FINE WITH THAT.

>> RUSSIA TODAY IS EVEN

OBJECTING TO THE NEW -- TO

MOVING THE JOINT COMMAND OR THE

COORDINATING COMMAND TO GERMANY

WITH THE TRAINING, WHICH IS ONE

OF THE BIG STEPS FROM THE

COMMUNIQUE TODAY.

WE HAVE HAD MILITARY ALL THROUGH

THE COLD WAR AND SINCE IN

GERMANY.

LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT CHINA.

A BIG PIECE OF THE COMMUNICATE

IS PUSHING BACK AGAINST CHINAnd

AND ACCUSING THEM OF WHAT THE

U.S. FIRST ACCUSED CHINA OF MORE

THAN A YEAR AGO AT THE MUNICH

SECURITY FORUM, WHICH IS NOT

WEAPONS TRANSFERS TO VLADIMIR

PUTIN BUT DUAL USE TECHNOLOGY

AND MATERIAL, WHICH IS PROPPING

HIM UP, ASIDE FROM MONEY AND OIL

PURCHASES AND THE SANCTION OF

ASIANS.

>> THIS IS THE RIGHT MESSAGE

FROM THE NATO ALLIANCE

COLLECTIVELY, WHICH BY THE WAY,

CHINA, HERE IS THE WAKE-UP CALL.

NATO HAS 32 COUNTRIES.

IT IS OVER 50% OF THE WORLD'S

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

IT'S THE LARGEST MARKET IN THE

WORLD COLLECTIVELY, NATO.

CHINA, LISTEN WHEN WE SAY TO

YOU, WE ARE GOING TO START

IMPOSING SANCTIONS AGAINST YOU

POSSIBLY IF YOU CONTINUE TO

PROVIDE WEAPONS OF WAR TO

UKRAINE.

MY SOURCES TELL ME, I'M SURE

YOURS DO AS WELL, THAT THE U.S.

LAID OUT A VERY STRONG

INTELLIGENCE CASE SHOWING THESE

DUAL USE TECHNOLOGIES, MEANING

THINGS THAT COULD BE USED IN A

CIVILIAN PRODUCT BUT ARE EQUALLY

CAPABLE OF BEING INSERTED, A

CHIP, FOR EXAMPLE, INTO A DRONE

SYSTEM, THAT'S WHAT'S FLOWING

ACROSS THE BORDER.

CHINA NEEDS TO HEAR THAT MESSAGE

LOUD AND CLEAR FROM THE

ALLIANCE.

I'M PROUD OF THE APPLIANCE FOR

PUSHING BACK COLLECTIVELY ON IT.

I THINK WE HAVE THE ECONOMIC

LEVERAGE HERE.

>> THEY ALSO COMMUNICATED AN

IRREVERSIBLE PATH FOR MEMBERSHIP