DATA & FIGURES
Nato's 32 member states will convene in Ankara, with the summit expected to secure $10 billion in new defence-related contracts. The alliance has set a target of raising defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035. China is expected to have 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, according to Rutte.
THE SCENARIO
The Nato summit will take place amid a complex geopolitical landscape, with the alliance facing challenges from Russia, China, and Iran. The conflict in Ukraine and the US war on Iran will dominate the agenda, while the Indo-Pacific region may be addressed in the context of China's growing military presence and cooperation with Russia.
DIRECT QUOTE
"China is having a massive build-up of its own military [and] will have 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. So let's not be naive about China." — Mark Rutte, Nato Secretary General
BBN INSIGHT
The Nato summit's focus on Ukraine and Iran may have significant implications for the Indo-Pacific region. The Positive Side: A stronger Nato alliance can provide a more stable security environment for the Indo-Pacific region. The Negative Side: The shift in focus away from the Indo-Pacific region may embolden China's expansionist policies, potentially destabilizing the region. The summit's outcome will be closely watched by Nato's Indo-Pacific partners, who are seeking reassurance about the alliance's commitment to their security.