(AFP) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth voiced his criticisms again on Saturday regarding NATO and European allies. He emphasized that nations failing to adequately increase their defense spending “will face clear changes in the way they do business.”
Last year, NATO members committed to upping their defense budgets to 5% of GDP, but many are doubtful about achieving that target, despite their efforts.
“For far too long, our European allies’ polite requests for increased defense spending have largely been ignored,” the Pentagon chief remarked during a national defense summit in Singapore.
“They’re finally starting to catch up,” Hegseth stated during his address at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue conference.
“Allies that step up and avoid taking responsibility for our collective defense will encounter significant changes in how we operate.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned this month that NATO might see a decrease in U.S. forces stationed in Europe, as the U.S. shifts focus to other threats while European nations enhance their own defenses.
In reference to Asia, Hegseth noted that the region has become “overly reliant on U.S. military strength, while several allies have let their own defense capabilities deteriorate.”
He highlighted that many Asia-Pacific countries are indeed making improvements, singling out South Korea as a key example.
“South Korea can’t afford to view warfare as just an academic topic; hence, they consistently invest in their defense.”
“Living on the front lines compels them to establish a credible fighting force.”
This, he argued, “clearly shows an understanding of the threats they face.”
Hegseth also commended the defense spending initiatives of countries like Australia, the Philippines, and Japan.
“A strong alliance requires that everyone contributes. There can’t be any freeloading,” he asserted.
When asked by a representative from New Zealand about the country’s plan to raise defense spending to 1-2%, he labeled it as “freeloading” and agreed with the sentiment.
“Honestly, 2% isn’t sufficient, so that qualifies as freeloading. I have nothing against New Zealand, but I expect our partners to aim higher,” Hegseth elaborated.
