Washington: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday reiterated President Donald Trump's call for allies in the Indo-Pacific to enhance their defense burden-sharing, emphasizing that the U.S. "can't want their security more than they do."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth's remarks came during a House Appropriations Committee hearing amidst speculation that the Trump administration might demand that South Korea increase its financial contribution to the U.S. Forces Korea, which comprises 28,500 personnel.
Hegseth highlighted the importance of allies and partners stepping up to share the responsibilities of their own defense as the U.S. shifts focus towards the Indo-Pacific region. He stated that these allies and partners are considered force multipliers alongside the United States, and progress is being made in this area.
He further reiterated President Trump's stance, noting that it is only fair for allies and partners to contribute their share. Hegseth's sentiments were similar to those he expressed during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defense forum in Singapore, where he urged Asian allies to look towards European countries, particularly NATO members like Germany, which are committing to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense.
During the hearing, Hegseth emphasized the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region, labeling it a "priority" theater and identifying China as a primary threat. He mentioned his travels to the region to engage with allies and partners, who have been responsive to the U.S. call for increased defense collaboration.