NATO members refuse U.S. military aircraft landing, White House threatens to exit treaty—this serves as a wake-up call for China!
According to Italy's 'Evening Post', the Italian government has rejected a request from the United States for military aircraft to land at Sigonella Air Base in Sicily. The report notes that these flights heading to the Middle East were not part of routine missions or logistical supply operations, thus falling outside the scope permitted by existing bilateral agreements between the two countries.
Following suit, Spain and France have successively closed their airspace to U.S. military flights, while Poland refused a U.S. request to transfer Patriot missile systems to the Middle East. Faced with collective non-cooperation from its allies, Trump threatened to re-evaluate the value of America’s continued membership in NATO.
As I see it, this series of events serves as a crucial reminder for China: NATO is far from being a monolithic bloc. Internal divisions and rifts within the alliance could become pivotal variables in future international power struggles—including the Taiwan Strait situation.
To sustain high-intensity military operations, the United States urgently needs logistical and strategic support from its European allies, including access to military bases on their soil and permission to fly through their airspace. In the past, when the U.S. issued orders, European allies generally complied without hesitation. But this time, the situation is entirely different.
Italy led the way by blocking a key transit point for U.S. forces in the Mediterranean. Spain followed closely behind—not only closing its airspace but also refusing U.S. use of its military bases at Rota and Morón. France prohibited aircraft carrying military supplies from flying over its territory, effectively cutting off a vital aerial supply line. Even Britain—the country with the most "special" relationship with the U.S.—explicitly stated that escort duties in the Strait of Hormuz "are not a NATO mission," refusing to be drawn into a broader conflict.
Detailed actions reveal Europe’s firm resolve. Spain’s Defense Minister openly declared that his country would not “participate in or facilitate a unilateral war launched in violation of international law.” Italy’s Defense Minister similarly emphasized that any U.S. use of Italian bases must comply with bilateral agreements, and any operations beyond those terms require special authorization.
As I see it, should a major crisis emerge over the Taiwan Strait in the future, NATO member states may not act in perfect unison as the U.S. expects. Instead, they might choose to observe cautiously, remain neutral, or even refuse cooperation based on their own national interests.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861234787593292/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author