Yes, and they arrived at, all 16 nations, including YOURS, the decision that "out of area operations" were in the interests of collective security. I was around when that was going on, in NATO as my job, and I was rather surprised that the fundamental nature of the alliance was thus transformed.
Given the political tenor of the times in the US, I fully expected that by the end of the 90's the US would be out of NATO, as its purpose had been fulfilled.
Glad I didn't put money on that bet, I'd have lost.

Now before you think we had a mind meld, let me be clear. Vlad is a threat, just not one big enough to need the US in NATO to keep him in check.

"Yes, and they arrived at, all 16 nations, including YOURS, the decision that "out of area operations" were in the interests of collective security"

I don't think anyone has cared to make this clear to the respective electorates Wolf - I really can't see anyone in the EU backing action against China - and even the Brits will drag their feet something terrible.

No one is fighting China, they will take what they want when they want because the youth of today are apathetic. Unless they want to control a downtown section of Seattle, then they are all bristly, until they find Starbucks is closed.