European nations ramp up military presence in Pacific Ocean

European nations - NATO member states have begun to increase their military presence in the Pacific Ocean in response to potential threats from China.

"NATO is bolstering its presence in the western Pacific by deploying military vessels to new locations, a move that could heighten tensions with China, which is concerned about the organisation's growing influence in the region," Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

The deployment of European forces in the Pacific Ocean "complicates China's strategic calculations, which is accelerating the development of its military activities." The report cites Italian Rear Admiral Giancarlo Ciappina, who stated that NATO's increased presence in the region is "primarily a demonstration of the ability to project power anywhere."

The sole Italian aircraft carrier, Cavour, has recently been dispatched to the Pacific region. The UK’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is expected to arrive in 2025, while France plans to send its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the region. Germany and the Netherlands have also expressed similar intentions.