During the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on European NATO allies to increase their defense spending, highlighting the growing global tensions, particularly with China. Hegseth praised Asian partners for their commitment to boosting military budgets and aligning closely with U.S. interests.

European Response

European officials, while acknowledging the U.S. concerns, emphasized the resilience of the NATO alliance. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, downplayed the significance of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Germany, stating it was a planned move and that the alliance’s cohesion remains strong. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence is reportedly accelerating military investments, regardless of future U.S. deployments.

French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin reassured Asian partners of NATO’s credibility beyond Europe, citing the alliance’s commitment to defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik noted the interconnectedness of security theaters, with North Korean troops reportedly involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

U.S. Congressional Support

Despite the Pentagon’s criticisms, several U.S. Senators and House members have expressed bipartisan support for European and Asian allies. Senator Tammy Duckworth acknowledged the anxiety among allies about America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Former Ukrainian minister Pavlo Klimkin emphasized the importance of Europe becoming a more active player in its defense, suggesting that a stronger European defense posture would enhance its partnership with the United States.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.