TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said Monday the alliance is worried that China's “massive military buildup” is raising the odds of an invasion of Taiwan. 

Ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague, a reporter asked whether the organization is ready for a worst-case scenario in which China attacks Taiwan. Rutte said that four NATO Plus countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, “are very, very worried about the massive military build-up by China," per The Independent. 

Rutte noted that in the recent past, none of the world’s top 10 defense companies were based in China. However, now, three to five Chinese firms have entered that list.

He said this tremendous ramp-up is fueled by the expansion of China's defense industrial base. “Of course, they don't do this only because they want to have nice parades in Beijing,” said Rutte. 

The NATO chief said, “We are all very worried, of course, about the situation in Taiwan.” He said the alliance is also aware of the risk that if Chinese leader Xi Jinping decides to take military action against Taiwan, he will undoubtedly inform Russian President Vladimir Putin “and make sure that the junior partner in that relationship with China, Mr. Putin, will keep us busy here.”

Rutte said that is why readiness is essential and why there is no room for naivety. He emphasized the need for clarity and stressed that this is what makes increased defense spending so crucial.

“That is why NATO does not have an alliance opt-out, side deals, etc, because we all have to chip in,” concluded Rutte.