By Marinel E. Peroy
China’s growing influence in global affairs is becoming more complex and increasingly challenging to the international rules-based order, according to a former NATO senior official who spoke at the Norwegian Training Center’s (NTC) 35th anniversary conference in Manila last April 24.
Retired Brigadier General Gjermund Eide, former military adviser to the Secretary General of NATO and current senior advisor at Kruse Larsen, outlined three major concerns shaping the current geopolitical landscape: Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, China’s expanding influence, and doubts about U.S. commitment to NATO.
“China continues to pursue strong economic ties in Europe and avoid direct competition, but this balancing act has its limits,” Eide said. “You cannot continue to fuel the most destructive war in Europe by the years and still expect business as usual.”
While noting that “NATO does not view China as an adversary,” Eide noted that “there is no question that China increasingly challenged our security, our interests, and our values.” He pointed to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, threats to Taiwan, and its growing military and cyber capabilities.
Eide said the war in Ukraine goes beyond regional conflict. He said NATO views it as a critical test of global security principles, as Ukraine stands as a frontline defender of sovereignty against the aggressive territorial expansion of Russia.
“It appears that Donald Trump is ready to strike a deal with Vladimir Putin over the head of President Zelensky. He is criticizing Zelensky for not being eager enough in the negotiations,” he said.
“As the Norwegian Intelligence Service recently warned, the worst outcome of the war in Ukraine would be an ending on Russian terms,” he added.
Eide also warned about the shifting role of the United States on the global stage, questioning, “Can we still trust that the US will be there if an ally is attacked?”
“America First” policies, he said, risk undermining long-standing alliances. “The best way for America is to protect it in stress, through partnership, not through isolation,” he argued.
He said that NATO’s increased focus on the Indo-Pacific underscores the importance of working with partners like the Philippines. “Joint exercises, strategic talks, and shared experience will help make us more resilient and better prepared for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Given the current challenges in the geopolitical situation, Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster noted the uncertainty of the shipping’s future.
“Like any course set across the sea, the maritime sector will continue to face its share of turbulent waves. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that collaboration between maritime friends becomes more important than ever,” he said.
