Germany unveils 1st national security strategy to address growing threats, singles out Russia

By FRANK JORDANS and GEIR MOULSON
Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — The German government has said Russia is the greatest security threat “for the foreseeable future” and advocated a balanced approach to China as it unveiled its first comprehensive national security strategy. It is part of an effort to address what Berlin views as growing military, economic and social risks to the country. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday the new strategy, which his three-party governing coalition pledged to draw up when it took office at the end of 2021, has gained added importance since Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The war has heightened anxiety in Germany about the preparedness of its own armed forces, prompting Scholz to announce a “turning point” on military spending.