Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NATO's current challenges and the need for vigilance among its members.

“As I said yesterday, NATO members have taken some promising steps toward making the alliance fit for purpose. But now is not the time to get complacent," McConnell stated.

He emphasized that global threats are increasing, particularly pointing to China's actions against Taiwan and its influence in Europe. "PRC officials are stepping up their pressure against Taiwan," he noted, referencing a recent statement by China’s ambassador to France about expelling Taiwan's government.

McConnell also criticized China's infiltration of Western economies and infrastructure, warning European allies to learn from America's past mistakes. He urged both America and its allies to address Chinese military advancements and insufficient defense budgets.

"The cold truth for all of us is this: Those who fail to take hard power seriously will learn that fighting wars is vastly more expensive than deterring them," he asserted.

McConnell linked China’s support with Russia's aggression in Ukraine, condemning Putin's actions including nuclear threats, space militarization, energy weaponization, repression of Christians, and attacks on civilians such as a missile strike on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital.

"Iran continues to make determined progress toward a nuclear weapons capability," McConnell added, criticizing Iran's role in terrorism and anti-Semitic activities globally.

He pointed out that while the trans-Atlantic alliance is strengthening overall, internal issues persist. Specifically, he criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his recent diplomatic moves towards Russia and China without consulting NATO or EU partners.

"Last week... Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban showed up in Moscow on a self-aggrandizing ‘peace mission’... Then he took to the pages of Newsweek to accuse the alliance of ‘seeking conflict’ rather than resolving it," McConnell remarked. He questioned Orban's alignment with authoritarian regimes despite Hungary’s historical experiences under Soviet repression.

McConnell highlighted Hungary's increasing economic ties with China and Iran as concerning trends contrary to NATO’s objectives. "Three years ago, Hungary accounted for less than 1% of Chinese investment in Europe. Last year it received more than 44%."

In conclusion, McConnell stressed that NATO must remain vigilant against external influences from authoritarian states like China and Iran while addressing internal inconsistencies among member nations like Hungary.