Top defense officials say Ukraine war has blurred lines, exposing global threats

SINGAPORE —
China and North Korea’s backing of Russia in its conflict with Ukraine have highlighted the blurred lines between regions and underscored the necessity for a cohesive global defense strategy, according to top security officials speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday.

North Korea has deployed troops to participate in the fighting in Ukraine, while China has extended economic and technological support to Russia and opposed international sanctions.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė cautioned that a Ukrainian defeat could have far-reaching consequences in Asia, potentially emboldening China in its territorial disputes with Taiwan and the South China Sea.

She emphasized, “If Russia triumphs in Ukraine, the implications extend beyond Europe. It will convey a clear message to smaller nations in the Indo-Pacific that borders can be disregarded, and any pretext can justify aggression.”

These sentiments echo those expressed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the conference’s outset, advocating for enhanced European involvement in the Indo-Pacific.