Washington: A senior Pentagon official has called on Asian allies to contribute and be prepared to share the burden of "collective defense," echoing President Donald Trump's approach of achieving "peace through strength." This emphasis comes as Washington focuses on deterring an increasingly assertive China.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby made these remarks in a social media post on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Colby emphasized the necessity for all to contribute and be prepared for the responsibilities of collective defense, stating, "Pacifism is not the answer. To the contrary, peace through strength is. That is the policy we are carrying to our allies in the Asia-Pacific."
Collective defense is an arrangement where multiple nations agree that an attack on one member is an attack on all, necessitating a joint response. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a notable example of such an institution.
Colby's comments align with his efforts to develop the Pentagon's National Defense Strategy (NDS), which focuses on increasing allies' "burden-sharing" and countering threats posed by China. The first draft of the NDS is scheduled for presentation to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by August 31.
In relation to the war's anniversary, Colby highlighted the need for American forces to protect key U.S. interests in Asia. He stated, "The lesson of the war is clear: Our military must be ready to fight and defeat aggression against our key interests, especially in Asia. And we must have the industrial base to back that up."
The issue of defense burden-sharing is anticipated to be a significant topic during the upcoming summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and President Trump, set to occur at the White House on August 25. Another expected agenda item is a joint effort to develop a shared understanding of the "strategic flexibility" of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Washington is seen to be aiming to broaden the scope and mission of USFK operations to better address Chinese threats.