European authorities were recommended to optimize defense spending in connection with the strengthening of Russia and China's military successes. The International Institute for Strategic Research recommended that the governments of the European states optimize defense spending to more successfully confront such threats as the strengthening of Russia. "Russia remains the main security threat for the countries of Eastern and Northern Europe,"? says the Institute's annual report, released on Wednesday, February 14, in London. The director of the institute, John Chipman, stated that "European states are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that the world is a dangerous place," and forcing defense spending. He noted that in 2017, European countries' spending on military needs increased by 3.6%, which, he said, is the highest growth rate in the world. As Chipman pointed out, this is caused both by the growing pressure from the US, which calls on Europe to take more care of its own defense, as well as the perception of threats in Europe that have changed in Europe. The report highlights the successes of Russia and, especially, of China, which challenge the US hegemony in the military sphere.

The document notes that, against the backdrop of territorial disputes in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, China has been increasing its military power for many years, thus reinforcing its claims to the status of a great power. Recall, the report of the Munich Security Conference affirms that the likelihood of war between Russia and Europe is growing. Media: Conflict between Russia and NATO threatens nuclear war News from Correspondent. net in Telegram. Subscribe to our channel https: // t. me / korrespondentnet.

Original article: Report: RF? the main threat in Eastern Europe.