There is a possibility that countries will cut down on defense budget to compensate for the economic impacts of COVID-19
The Italian Army Officer – General Claudio Graziano, who is presently serving as Chairman of the European Union (E.U.) Military Committee has warned that Coronavirus (COVID-19) has weakened the militaries ability to respond to security threats.
While there has been a reduction in the number of training missions, there is a possibility that countries will cut down on defense budget to compensate for the economic impacts of COVID-19.
He also called for a greater focus on technology and expanding international maritime co-operation.
Graziano believes that E.U. could play a greater role in maritime security with partners in Asia through a more systematic presence. At the same time, he appreciated the launch of multibillion-dollar fund in 2017 for military equipment and tech investment.
Speaking on the occasion, Graziano said, “We have the double duty to accomplish the mission and to protect the people [from Covid-19].”
Though the European Defence budget saw an increase of 5.6% in 2020, there are chances it may be slashed in 2021. Globally, the defence spending rose 1.9% to U.S. $ 1.9 trillion in 2020.
Taking it to twitter, Graziano tweeted,
International scenario has all the potential to be less secure than the one we were living before the #pandemic
— General Claudio Graziano (@ChairmanEUMC) April 13, 2021
There is a clear understanding that we have to protect and develop our #technology to maintain our tech sovereignty
I discussed it with @edwardwhitenz via @ftworldnews https://t.co/GRmdVbMMW5
Graziano wants E.U. to focus on technological research and development to better manage cyber threats and hybrid warfare. He also warned of the future use of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.
He further said, “There is a clear understanding that we have to protect our technology, develop our technology and to maintain our technology superiority… If you want to be credible, you have to invest the right amount of money, particularly research and development.”
Graziano also acknowledged Chinese military’s long-term planning and technological ambitions. The President of China – Xi Jinping has led to most sweeping military reform and modernisation in decades, for making the People’s Liberation Army a world-class force capable of winning wars anywhere in the world by 2050. This increasing capability of China is actually a big threat to the world. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has started focussing on China’s expanding weaponry and cyber capabilities.
Graziano also added, “That poses a security issue for all the world, and of course also for European Union, already now that we have to deal with in the short- to medium-[term] perspective.”
Graziano, who leads the committee of Defence Chiefs from the 27 E.U. members, made a brief visit to South Korea against a backdrop of rising concerns over security in Asia. Presently, the major security issue in Asia is the Myanmar military coup. The Myanmar’s military coup relates to February 1, 2021, when Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected members of Myanmar’s ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the Myanmar’s military – Tatmadaw.
Other brewing security issues across Asia include China’s disputed claims to Taiwan and the South China Sea and the continuous testing of nuclear weapons by the Supreme Leader of North Korea – Kim Jong-un.
