That follows three consecutive annual summits where the Indo-Pacific leaders attended as guests.
“It’s extremely positive that these four countries are participating more and more with NATO allies,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters Thursday, “because of the simple fact that security threats in the Indo-Pacific, of course, have a link to what is happening here, and you cannot simply divide the world.”
Russia has turned to its allies for help in Ukraine.
Iran has supplied the Shahed drones that regularly pound Ukrainian cities, and has deployed military advisers as well. The United States and Ukraine say it has also sent ballistic missiles, something Teheran denies. North Korea, meanwhile, is sending vast amounts of artillery ammunition as well as missiles — crucial for Russia’s forces as they slowly advance in Ukraine. Kyiv says that in addition, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to fight in the war.
China insists it is not arming Russia, although Washington has said unambiguously that Beijing is aiding Vladimir Putin’s military. China is also buying Russian energy, and its exports of chips and other supplies are crucial to keeping Moscow’s war machine humming.
This week, Russian and Chinese officials met in Beijing and pledged to work closely together. The two have also held joint military drills in recent months.
