NATO senior official has cautioned Western businesses about the potential threats posed by China and Russia, urging them to reconsider their commercial strategies in light of the growing geopolitical tensions. Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, NATO’s Military Committee Chair, addressed business leaders on Monday, stressing that their decisions have significant strategic consequences for national security.
Bauer warned that the West’s heavy reliance on China for critical supply chains and Russia for energy resources could be exploited by these nations in times of conflict. He noted that China controls up to 60% of global rare earth mineral production and processes 90% of these materials, which are essential for various industries, including critical medicines like antibiotics and sedatives.
“We would be naive to think that China’s government will never use its power over these resources,” Bauer said at a European Policy Centre event. “Business leaders in Europe and America need to realize that their commercial decisions affect national security.”
Bauer also highlighted the vulnerabilities exposed by Russia’s control over energy supplies, citing recent sabotage incidents in Europe and the breakdown of agreements with Russian energy giant Gazprom. He emphasized that similar risks exist with Chinese-owned infrastructure and goods, warning that companies may be unknowingly aligning themselves with the strategic goals of China’s leadership.
The NATO official advised businesses to prepare for potential wartime scenarios, urging them to adjust their production and distribution systems accordingly. “While military forces may win battles, it’s economies that ultimately win wars,” Bauer said, underlining the critical role that economic resilience plays in modern conflicts.
His remarks underscore the importance of reassessing commercial dependencies and the need for businesses to consider the broader strategic implications of their global supply chains in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment.
