Top NATO military official urges businesses to be prepared for ‘wartime scenario’
In a recent address to business leaders, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, the chairperson of NATO’s military committee, issued a stark warning about the need to prepare for a wartime scenario. Bauer emphasized the importance of adjusting production and distribution lines to reduce vulnerability to potential blackmail from countries like Russia and China.
Bauer highlighted the fact that NATO is witnessing an increase in sabotage acts, particularly in Europe’s energy supply chain. He urged businesses to ensure that crucial services and goods can be delivered under any circumstances, emphasizing that this is a critical aspect of deterrence in times of war.
The admiral pointed out that Europe relies heavily on supplies from China, with 60% of rare earth materials and 90% of their processing taking place in the country. Additionally, essential chemical ingredients for medications like sedatives, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and low blood pressure medications are imported from China.
Bauer cautioned that commercial decisions made by business leaders could have strategic implications for national security. He warned against naivety in dealing with powerful entities like the Communist Party in China and stressed the need for businesses to be prepared for a wartime scenario by adjusting their operations accordingly.
The admiral’s message comes amidst escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Last week, Russia launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile into Ukraine, heightening concerns about the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian officials reported that the missile, named Oreshnik, reached speeds of Mach 11 when it struck a factory in Dnipro.
In a separate development, North Korea reportedly deployed thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, further complicating the situation. The use of advanced weaponry and the involvement of additional military forces have raised fears of a protracted and devastating conflict.
As tensions continue to escalate, Bauer’s warning serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats. In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, businesses must adapt to ensure their resilience and ability to navigate challenges that may arise in a wartime scenario.
The original article was sourced from Reuters, and additional reporting from Fox News contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, provided insights and updates on this developing story. For story tips and ideas, you can reach out to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter @GregWehner.
