A top military official with NATO has issued a stark warning to businesses, urging them to be ready for a potential wartime scenario. Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, chairperson of NATO's military committee, emphasized the need for businesses to adjust their production and distribution lines to reduce vulnerability to potential blackmail from Russia and China.
During an event at the European Policy Center think tank in Brussels, Bauer highlighted the importance of ensuring the continuous delivery of crucial services and goods regardless of the circumstances. He stressed that such preparedness is a key element of deterrence in times of conflict.
Bauer pointed out the increasing number of sabotage acts being observed by NATO, particularly in Europe's energy supply chain. He cautioned against reliance on agreements with individual leaders such as Mr. Putin of Russia and President Xi Jinping of China, emphasizing the strategic implications of commercial decisions made by businesses.
The admiral drew attention to the significant dependence of the West on supplies from China, particularly for rare earth materials and essential chemical ingredients used in medications. He warned that business leaders must not underestimate the potential for these dependencies to be exploited for strategic gain by the Communist Party.
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, recent events have further underscored the need for vigilance. Last week, Russia launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile into Ukraine, causing concern among international observers. Additionally, reports indicate that North Korea has deployed thousands of soldiers to join Russian forces in the conflict, heightening the stakes in the region.
In light of these developments, Bauer's message serves as a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness between economic decisions and national security. The call for businesses to prepare for a wartime scenario and adapt their operations accordingly reflects the evolving nature of global threats and the imperative for proactive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and supply chains.
