Senator James Risch once again reminds us that the NATO alliance needs to do more than just shuffle papers if it wants to effectively counter the Chinese Communist Party. It’s like telling a kid to clean their room—sure, they might pick up a few things, but real cleaning requires actual effort.
Senator Risch (R-ID), the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has released a new report outlining what he thinks NATO needs to do to prepare for Chinese aggression. This includes strengthening subnational diplomacy to undermine free societies and planning for the possibility that the United States might shift some military power from Europe to the Pacific in response to China.
“Both sides of the Atlantic must recommit to working closely together to confront China’s behavior,” the senator stated in a letter to his colleagues. He added that dedication from all partners is needed to set aside politically expedient but unconstructive spats that distract from the more significant shared challenge. Optimistic, sure, but let’s hope it’s not just more hot air.
The report suggests NATO should improve its knowledge of Chinese strategies and the operational capacity of the People’s Liberation Army. This would further the 2022 Strategic Concept by developing plans for potential Chinese interference or involvement in a European war. Member nations should also agree to standards for research security, strategic investments, and defense-related procurement.
A source familiar with the report mentioned that Risch aims to solidify some recommendations through legislation, though it’s more challenging to achieve this with a Democratic majority in the Senate and a divided Congress. It’s the classic Washington gridlock we’ve all learned and loathed.
U.S. and NATO leaders have accused Beijing of supporting Russia’s defense efforts, thus aiding its war in Ukraine. Last month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg pointed out that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has tried to appear neutral to avoid sanctions and maintain trade. However, the reality is that China is fueling the most significant armed conflict in Europe since World War II while still wanting to keep good relations with the West. Talk about having your cake and eating it, too.
Risch’s report coincides with this week’s NATO summit in Washington, D.C., marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary. He will appear on a panel alongside Czech Republic President Petr Pavel, Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
“I will say that we’ve got some new projects on resilience we’re going to discuss at the summit with our Indo-Pacific partners,” a senior Biden administration official said. These projects include regional resilience, supporting Ukraine, countering disinformation, cyber efforts, and tech cooperation.
Risch’s latest report follows a similar one from 2020, in which he emphasized working with European allies to counter China. He criticized the Biden administration for failing to take significant steps to execute his previous recommendations or collaborate further with European partners. It’s like a coach drawing up a perfect play that never gets executed because the team’s too busy bickering.
This latest report isn’t just a list of demands; it’s a call to action. It’s time for NATO to wake up and smell the geopolitical coffee. The alliance must strengthen its internal knowledge and plan against Chinese interference. Member nations should agree on strict standards for research, strategic investments, and defense procurement. Risch’s push for legislation aims to ensure these recommendations aren’t just suggestions but actionable steps.
It’s not just about preparing for potential military shifts; it’s about recognizing China’s broader threat to global stability. The time for politically convenient spats is over. It’s time for NATO to unite and take decisive action.
So, here’s to hoping this report doesn’t gather dust on some bureaucrat’s desk. The threats are real, and the need for action is urgent. NATO, the ball is in your court. Let’s see if you can step up to the challenge or if we’ll return here in a couple of years, repeating the same old song and dance.
