Chinese attempts to recruit U.S., NATO service members as advisors prompts Ramstein conference

  • Published
  • USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

U.S. and NATO officials addressed attempts by the People’s Republic of China to manipulate Alliance-trained airmen during the Securing Our Military Expertise from Adversaries conference at NATO Allied Air Command, Ramstein AB, Germany, January 30-31, 2024.

The conference is the first such event to include broad NATO participation aimed at tackling ongoing PRC targeting of U.S. and NATO-trained military personnel for employment to fill gaps in its own air force capabilities. Targeted experience includes that of pilots, maintainers, air operations center personnel, and a variety of other technical experts across multiple occupations that could provide insight into U.S. and NATO tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Among the attendees for this event were military, intelligence, and other key stakeholders from the U.S. – including representation from the U.S. National Security Council – alongside representatives from 22 NATO Allies. Topics included discussing best practices to address PRC recruitment efforts and the establishment of shared goals to combat the emerging threat to U.S. and NATO security.