THE HAGUE: There is no alternative to higher defense spending in light of the ongoing threat from Russia, NATO chief Mark Rutte said on Wednesday. “Given our long-term threat of Russia, but also the massive build-up of the military in China, and the fact that North Korea, China and Iran are supporting the war effort in Ukraine, it’s really important we spend more. So that will be number one on the agenda today,,” Rutte told reporters before meeting with world leaders at the NATO summit in the Hague.

Exclusive: As alliance members arrive at The Hague summit, secretary general says Moscow capable of launching attack within three to five years

The US has been pressuring its allies to adopt new targets for defence spending in response to the Russian threat.