Hegseth Tells Asian Allies To Increase Defense Spending
Summary
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to spend 3.5% of their GDP on defense to strengthen regional security and receive closer U.S. cooperation. He said countries that meet this goal would get faster arms sales and more intelligence sharing, while those that do not would receive fewer benefits. This marks a more conditional U.S. approach to defense commitments in the Indo-Pacific, amid rising tensions with China.Key Facts
- Hegseth called for Asian allies to spend 3.5% of their GDP on defense.
- Allies meeting the spending goal would get priority in arms sales and intelligence cooperation.
- Countries that don’t meet the target risk reduced U.S. support.
- None of the major Asian U.S. partners currently meet the 3.5% GDP defense spending target.
- Singapore and South Korea spend about 2.8%, Japan and Australia about 2%.
- The Philippines increased defense spending by 12% last year but is still below the target.
- Economic challenges make this spending target difficult for countries like the Philippines and Malaysia.
- The call follows President Trump’s push for NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2027.
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