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NATO chief Mark Rutte warns that China and Russia could trigger World War Three by launching simultaneous attacks on Taiwan and Europe

Mark Rutte
Mark Rutte

In a world already on edge, NATO’s new Secretary-General Mark Rutte has offered a deeply unsettling prediction—one that sounds more like a plot from a dystopian thriller than a real-world forecast. But Rutte isn’t dealing in fiction.

According to him, a terrifying two-front attack led by China and Russia could plunge the world into a global war.

Rutte Paints a Chilling Scenario of a Joint Attack

Speaking to The New York Times, the former Dutch Prime Minister didn’t mince words.

He believes that if China were to move on Taiwan, it wouldn’t act alone.

According to Rutte, Chinese President Xi Jinping would likely coordinate with Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch a simultaneous offensive in Europe—specifically, a strike on NATO territory.

“It’s not far-fetched,” Rutte said. “If Xi goes after Taiwan, he’s going to call Putin and say, ‘Keep the West busy in Europe.’ That’s how they’d do it.”

The Baltic States Could Be in the Crosshairs

The NATO chief raised the alarm over vulnerable NATO members like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—Baltic states that were once under Soviet control and are now considered prime targets should Russia decide to test the alliance’s resolve.

Putin, Rutte warned, has shown increasing signs of preparing for such an escalation. “Let’s not be naïve,” he cautioned.

Moscow Fires Back with Insults and Threats

As expected, the Kremlin wasn’t exactly thrilled with Rutte’s comments.

Russia’s response was swift—and mocking.

Dmitry Medvedev, a close Putin ally and former Russian president, lashed out on social media.

“Rutte must have had too many Dutch magic mushrooms,” he scoffed, before going so far as to suggest the NATO chief should brush up on his Russian in preparation for life in a Siberian labor camp.

Urging the West to Re-Arm—Fast

Despite the backlash, Rutte doubled down, urging NATO countries to ramp up defense spending immediately.

He pointed out that Russia is rebuilding its military capabilities at an alarming speed.

“Russia is producing three times more ammunition in three months than all of NATO does in a year,” he said.

“That’s not just a warning bell—it’s a siren.”

And the alliances Russia is forging with countries like North Korea, Iran, and China are only increasing the urgency.

Drawing a Link Between Europe and the Indo-Pacific

One of Rutte’s key messages is that Europe can no longer view the Indo-Pacific as a distant concern.

If China goes for Taiwan, the ripple effect could hit Europe instantly.

“These regions are no longer separate,” he explained. “Our security is deeply connected.”

Interestingly, Rutte even praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for pushing NATO to look toward the Indo-Pacific and for being the only leader so far able to break the ice with Putin.

Ukraine Still Under Brutal Siege

As Rutte issued his warnings, Russia continued its relentless assault on Ukraine.

Over the weekend, Putin’s forces launched another wave of attacks, using four S-300 missiles and 157 drones.

Most of the drones were intercepted, but the damage on the ground was still severe.

Kyiv and surrounding regions were rocked by explosions, injuring civilians and destroying homes.

In Kharkiv, a 2-year-old child and a 46-year-old woman were among the wounded.

Apartment buildings in Kramatorsk were also hit by drone strikes.

Ukraine Tries to Fight Back at Sea

In response, Ukraine launched its own attacks, including a sea drone operation in the Black Sea near Novorossiysk Bay.

The attack was ultimately repelled by Russian defenses, but it prompted Moscow to shut down Sheremetyevo, its major international airport, highlighting just how nervous the Russian capital is becoming.

Direct Talks, But No Peace Yet

Despite the grim outlook, Rutte pointed to one diplomatic development: Trump’s direct talks with Putin.

“He broke the deadlock,” Rutte said, suggesting that the former U.S. president was the only one able to get Putin to the negotiating table.

Still, there’s no peace deal on the horizon. “We’re not there yet,” Rutte admitted.

“So in the meantime, Ukraine needs everything it can get to keep fighting.”

The Clock Is Ticking

Mark Rutte’s warning isn’t just about hypotheticals—it’s a wake-up call.

With Russia accelerating its war machine and China’s ambitions over Taiwan growing clearer, NATO is under pressure like never before.

The future may hinge on whether the West is prepared to act before it’s too late.