'Very important' that US' Hegseth recognised Europe for stepping up defence efforts: Brekelmans

Key Concepts

• US-China tensions and their impact on global security
• European defense spending and responsibility
• NATO's role and future, including potential increased spending targets
• Defense industry capacity and production challenges
• The Russia-Ukraine war and international support for Ukraine
• North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and its implications
• The role of AI in defense and the importance of responsible AI use
• Threats to undersea cables and efforts to protect them
• China's relationship with Russia and its impact on global security
• Potential areas of cooperation between Europe and Asia in addressing global security issues

Netherlands' Approach to US-China Tensions and a Potential Second Trump Administration

The Netherlands views the US-China tensions as a key discussion point at the Shangri-La Dialogue. They emphasize the importance of maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, given their status as a trading nation. The Netherlands is committed to the region through regular maritime and military exercises, recognizing the interconnectedness of their security with that of the Indo-Pacific. They share values and principles with Asian partners and aim to continue working together.

Assessment of Secretary of Defense's Speech

The Dutch Defense Minister highlights that Secretary of Defense's speech focused on Europe stepping up and taking responsibility for its own security. He notes the significance of the US administration acknowledging and praising Europe's increased defense spending and support for Ukraine, a departure from previous criticisms. This recognition is seen as a positive sign, especially leading up to the NATO summit.

NATO Summit Focus: Defense Spending, Industry Capacity, and Ukraine

The upcoming NATO summit will focus on several key areas:

• Defense Spending: Aiming to raise the ambition from the current 2% spending floor towards a potential 5%, which would make it a historic summit.
• Defense Industry: Addressing the challenge of the defense industry not keeping pace with increased spending. Delivery times are increasing, prices are rising, and military capabilities are insufficient. A big industry forum will be held alongside the summit to discuss increasing defense production capacity.
• Ukraine: Continuous support for Ukraine will be a very important topic. President Zelensky and his team are welcome to join the summit to demonstrate commitment and steadfast support.

Concerns About a Potential US Withdrawal from NATO

While there is speculation about President Trump potentially pulling the US out of NATO, the Dutch Defense Minister emphasizes the consistent official statements from the US President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense. These statements consistently affirm that:

• NATO is more relevant than ever for the United States, acting as a force multiplier in an uncertain world.
• The United States is strongly committed to Article 5 and to NATO.

These two fundamental pillars provide enough certainty and confidence that NATO will remain strong, especially with additional investments from member states.

Concerns About North Korea's Role in the Russia-Ukraine War

Europe is extremely concerned about North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. The scale of weapons and ammunition being sent to Russia is "mindboggling." In return, Russia is sharing technology, knowledge, and expertise with North Korea, enabling them to further develop their nuclear arsenal. This is a global concern, as the capabilities of North Korea, Russia, Iran, and China are increasing, and there is a potential for coordinated aggression in the future.

The Impact of AI on Security and Defense

AI is rapidly reshaping the battlefield, and efforts are needed to ensure it remains under control in the military domain. The Netherlands has taken the initiative to establish an annual conference on the responsible use of AI in the military domain. A UN resolution on this topic was passed by a large majority, providing a common language and setting common norms for accountability. The goal is to ensure that human judgment remains in control and that AI does not take over.

Threats to Undersea Cables

The Netherlands considers threats to undersea cables as one of its biggest security challenges. Russian ships have been showing suspicious behavior and sabotaging undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. To address this, the Netherlands is focusing on:

• Maritime Capabilities: Using maritime capabilities to deter Russian ships by showing that they are being monitored.
• Technology Development: Further developing technologies, including unmanned systems and radar technologies, to detect Russian ships as soon as possible, working with the private sector and knowledge institutions.
• Legal Instruments: Updating legal instruments to respond to the abuse of freedom of navigation principles, ensuring the ability and legal authority to respond.

China's Relationship with Russia and its Impact on Global Security

NATO is a defensive alliance with no offensive ambitions and is not against China. However, China is seen as a key enabler for Russia in sustaining the war in Ukraine through economic and diplomatic backing. China is also engaging in hybrid and cyber attacks on Europe and NATO countries, posing a security threat. The Dutch Defense Minister urges China to de-escalate its support for Russia and reduce its cyber and hybrid activities, which would lead to a more constructive relationship.

Potential Areas of Cooperation Between Europe and Asia

There are several areas where Europe and Asia can cooperate to address global security issues:

• Maritime Domain: Cooperation on freedom of navigation.
• Defense Industry: Increased collaboration between defense industries to ramp up production and strengthen military capabilities.
• Technology: Leveraging technologically advanced countries like Singapore for dual-use goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Investing in defense capabilities, industries, and technologies benefits both security and economic prosperity by creating jobs and fostering innovation. This economic progress can lead to more public support for defense investments.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The interview with the Dutch Defense Minister highlights the complex and interconnected nature of global security challenges. Key takeaways include the importance of European defense spending and responsibility, the evolving role of NATO, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the involvement of countries like North Korea and China, the need for responsible AI use in defense, and the protection of critical infrastructure like undersea cables. The interview also emphasizes the potential for cooperation between Europe and Asia in addressing these challenges, particularly in the maritime domain, defense industry, and technology. The minister stresses the importance of maintaining a strong defense posture while also fostering economic prosperity and upholding shared values and principles.