A Chinese state-linked newspaper warned in early 2024 that NATO’s military posture could contribute to a wider confrontation involving Russia and Ukraine. The commentary appeared as NATO prepared its large Steadfast Defender 2024 exercise, involving approximately 90,000 personnel. NATO described the exercise as a test of reinforcement and readiness, while the Chinese publication characterized the alliance’s actions as escalatory. The warning was an opinion expressed by the newspaper, not evidence that a world war had begun or been decided upon.
