NATO Military Chief Warns Businesses to Prepare for Wartime Economy

Admiral Rob Bauer urges Western industries to reduce reliance on China and Russia to safeguard national security and economic resilience.

Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of NATO's military committee, called on businesses to adjust production and supply lines in preparation for potential wartime scenarios.
Bauer highlighted Western dependence on China for rare earth materials and critical pharmaceutical ingredients, warning of potential economic vulnerabilities.
He cited Russia's manipulation of energy agreements, such as the 2022 Gazprom deal, as an example of how adversaries can exploit economic dependencies.
Bauer emphasized the strategic importance of aligning commercial decisions with national security priorities to strengthen deterrence against threats.
The warning comes as geopolitical tensions rise, with Russia's war in Ukraine ongoing and President-elect Trump pledging an 'America First' agenda that includes significant tariffs on Chinese imports.