The fight to become NATO's next chief is heating up. But it's a race that's mostly being run in the dark, with no clear winner yet.&nbsp;Jens Stoltenberg, the Norwegian secretary-general of the transatlantic military alliance, is set to retire at the end of September after nine years in office.

Many alliance members want his replacement decided at, or perhaps before, the NATO summit in Lithuania in mid-July.

That does not allow NATO's 31 states, which range from the United States to new member Finland to Turkey, much time to reach an agreement on a new head. They might possibly request a fourth extension of Stoltenberg's mandate.

Whoever takes over will do so at a crucial juncture, confronting the dual task of keeping allies united in support of Ukraine while avoiding any escalation that might bring NATO straight into a confrontation with Russia.

Last week, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace expressed interest in the position. However, as some states press for the first female NATO Secretary-General, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is emerging as a viable contender.

Despite being a very visible position, the competition is fairly opaque, taking place mostly through conversations among leaders and diplomats. These conversations will continue until all NATO members feel they have achieved an agreement.

According to Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official who worked with the alliance for 38 years, leaders will be evaluated.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;No NATO nation has agreed to hand over F-16 fighter jets, says US top General Mark Miley

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"Keeping the family together, keeping everybody on board constantly, being in touch with all of the allies to make sure that you're addressing their concerns, is an important part of the job," Shea told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Wallace vs&nbsp;Frederiksen</h2>

Many diplomats regard Wallace as a long shot for the post, despite his high regard within the alliance. Some members view his desire to choose a lady negatively.

Many people would also prefer a former prime minister or president as NATO's leader to assure top-level political clout. Stoltenberg, 64, was Norway's prime minister.

Some countries, most notably France, want someone from the European Union, hoping for better collaboration between NATO and the EU.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-general-says-ukraine-shouldnt-use-us-weaponry-inside-russia-596571">US general says Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia</a>

Frederiksen fits all of the requirements listed above. Although she has stated that she is not a candidate, she has not stated that she is uninterested in the position. NATO diplomats claim she is being seriously evaluated behind the scenes.

If Frederiksen got the job, she would be the third NATO chief&nbsp;in a row from a Nordic country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The fight to become NATO's next chief is heating up. But it's a race that's mostly being run in the dark, with no clear winner yet. Jens Stoltenberg, the Norwegian secretary-general of the transatlantic military alliance, is set to retire at the end of September after nine years in office.

The fight to become NATO's next chief is heating up. But it's a race that's mostly being run in the dark, with no clear winner yet. Jens Stoltenberg, the Norwegian secretary-general of the transatlantic military alliance, is set to retire at the end of September after nine years in office. Many alliance members want his replacement decided at, or perhaps before, the NATO summit in Lithuania in mid-July. That does not allow NATO's 31 states, which range from the United States to new member Finland to Turkey, much time to reach an agreement on a new head. They might possibly request a fourth extension of Stoltenberg's mandate. Whoever takes over will do so at a crucial juncture, confronting the dual task of keeping allies united in support of Ukraine while avoiding any escalation that might bring NATO straight into a confrontation with Russia. Last week, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace expressed interest in the position. However, as some states press for the first female NATO Secretary-General, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is emerging as a viable contender. Despite being a very visible position, the competition is fairly opaque, taking place mostly through conversations among leaders and diplomats. These conversations will continue until all NATO members feel they have achieved an agreement. According to Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official who worked with the alliance for 38 years, leaders will be evaluated. ALSO WATCH | No NATO nation has agreed to hand over F-16 fighter jets, says US top General Mark Miley "Keeping the family together, keeping everybody on board constantly, being in touch with all of the allies to make sure that you're addressing their concerns, is an important part of the job," Shea told Reuters. Wallace vs Frederiksen Many diplomats regard Wallace as a long shot for the post, despite his high regard within the alliance. Some members view his desire to choose a lady negatively. Many people would also prefer a former prime minister or president as NATO's leader to assure top-level political clout. Stoltenberg, 64, was Norway's prime minister. Some countries, most notably France, want someone from the European Union, hoping for better collaboration between NATO and the EU. ALSO READ | US general says Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia Frederiksen fits all of the requirements listed above. Although she has stated that she is not a candidate, she has not stated that she is uninterested in the position. NATO diplomats claim she is being seriously evaluated behind the scenes. If Frederiksen got the job, she would be the third NATO chief in a row from a Nordic country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Jens Stoltenberg to retire in September: Who would be the next NATO boss?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that Moscow and Beijing are not creating any military alliance. Putin further said that both nations don't have anything to hide in terms of their military cooperation and claimed that Russia does not threaten any countries.&nbsp;

As quoted by Russian news agencies, Putin, who spoke during an interview with the state television on Sunday (March 26), said that Moscow and Beijing have "cooperation in the sphere of military-technical interaction," which they are not hiding. But they are "not creating any military alliance".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-belarus-will-be-hostage-if-russia-places-tactical-nukes-575875">Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage'</a>&nbsp;

Putin said, "Everything is transparent, there is nothing secret. We have military cooperation, we conduct drills, not only with China, but even with other countries as well." &nbsp;

Putin then proceeded to accuse&nbsp;the West and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of "starting to build a new axis" similar to the one built by Italy, Germany and militaristic Japan during World War II.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons, US reacts cautiously to move&nbsp;

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"They are announcing that they will create 'Global NATO'. What's that? Great Britain and Japan at the start of this year, in January I think, have signed an agreement on developing relations and mutual development in military area," he said.&nbsp;

Putin added, "That is why Western analysts...are talking about the West starting to build a new axis similar to the one created in the 1930s by the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy and militarist Japan."&nbsp;

The remarks came after the Russian president promised to build closer ties with China during his counterpart Xi Jinping's recent visit to Moscow. The Xi-Putin summit gained global attention amid the Russia-Ukraine war and Moscow's struggle&nbsp;to make gains in what it calls a "special military operation".&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that Moscow and Beijing are not creating any military alliance. Putin further said that both nations don't have anything to hide in terms of their military cooperation and claimed that Russia does not threaten any countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that Moscow and Beijing are not creating any military alliance. Putin further said that both nations don't have anything to hide in terms of their military cooperation and claimed that Russia does not threaten any countries. As quoted by Russian news agencies, Putin, who spoke during an interview with the state television on Sunday (March 26), said that Moscow and Beijing have "cooperation in the sphere of military-technical interaction," which they are not hiding. But they are "not creating any military alliance". ALSO READ | Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage' Putin said, "Everything is transparent, there is nothing secret. We have military cooperation, we conduct drills, not only with China, but even with other countries as well." Putin then proceeded to accuse the West and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of "starting to build a new axis" similar to the one built by Italy, Germany and militaristic Japan during World War II. WATCH | Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons, US reacts cautiously to move × "They are announcing that they will create 'Global NATO'. What's that? Great Britain and Japan at the start of this year, in January I think, have signed an agreement on developing relations and mutual development in military area," he said. Putin added, "That is why Western analysts...are talking about the West starting to build a new axis similar to the one created in the 1930s by the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy and militarist Japan." The remarks came after the Russian president promised to build closer ties with China during his counterpart Xi Jinping's recent visit to Moscow. The Xi-Putin summit gained global attention amid the Russia-Ukraine war and Moscow's struggle to make gains in what it calls a "special military operation". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin says Russia and China not creating military alliance; accuses West of ‘building WWII-like axis’

The U.S. Senate ratified adding Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a move aimed at bolstering the military alliance after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Senate ratifies NATO membership for Finland and Sweden

Amid a raging war NATO leaders are gathered in Madrid. Back in 1997 as well NATO leaders had held a summit in Madrid. WION tells you what are the challenges the alliance is battling in the years of Madrid summit.

NATO's big challenges ahead: Finland & Sweden to join alliance; balancing act by military alliance

Turkey opposed NATO's plan to admit Sweden and Finland as members of the military alliance. Is Erdogan using the opportunity to secure concessions from the West? What is the West willing to offer Turkey? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Turkey derails NATO's Nordic expansion

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