“NO FREELOADING”
Since returning to workplace, US President Donald Trump has demanded that allies enhance defence spending and has pointedly mentioned European and NATO companions ought to cut back reliance on Washington.
“The period of the US subsidising the defence of rich nations is over,” Hegseth mentioned.
“We want companions, not protectorates,” he added. “We do not have a robust alliance except everybody has pores and skin within the recreation. No freeloading.”
Hegseth praised contributions from allies and companions together with South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and mentioned Japan was taking concrete steps to bolster its defences.
Tokyo and Washington “should every pull our weight to strengthen the US-Japan alliance,” he mentioned.
