Originally Posted by
West Coast
What’s meaningless about it? The Chinese threat has existed for years, but only now that NATO’s scope and even existence is called into question do they feel the need to pivot towards China.
The Soviet tank divisions aren’t pointed towards West Germany anymore. The absence of an existential threat to European democracy is recognized not only in Brussels but in capitals on both sides of the Atlantic. The French are hot to trot to rob funding, personnel and mission for a notional joint European army, external to Europe the US is pulling troops from Germany. Minus a really big boogeyman (Vlad ain’t big enough) the need for NATO in its current form is in question, ergo NATO needs a new enemy to justify its mission.
Article 5 which is truly the heart of NATO applies to attacks in Europe or North America. Do you expect your nation’s blood to be spilled and treasure spent on account of a Chinese attack on a third party outside those areas? Recall the political vacillating and hand wringing when your fellow Europeans were slaughtered during an ethnic cleansing. Now turn that into Taiwan being invaded or Naval ships being sunk trying to keep the South China Sea free for navigation. You really think there is the political will (not to mention public consensus) to fight that war far from Europe?
We disagree often but we also agree often and this is one.
NATO was set up to counter Warsaw pact, it broke up and NATO had spent decades trying to find a reason why it could still suck at the Taypayers bank account. Many of the people there need an enemy to continue to justify their self worth / wealth and power.
They need a bogeyman and will invent one to keep relevant.