US Defense Secretary: "Allied Countries Must Increase Defense Spending to 2% of GDP"

If the Trump Administration Wins Re-election, Pressure on Defense Costs Is Likely to Accelerate

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Mark Esper, U.S. Secretary of Defense, urged allied countries to increase their defense spending. He stated that defense budgets should be raised to at least 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mark Esper, U.S. Secretary of Defense [Photo by AP]

On the 16th (local time), Secretary Esper emphasized the need for allies to increase defense spending during a speech at the RAND Corporation, a U.S. think tank, citing threats from China and Russia.

He said, "I want the United States' allies and partners to recognize that for the past 75 years, the U.S. has strengthened relationships and committed through an international rules-based order," adding, "I hope that (allies) increase their defense budgets to at least 2% of GDP to enhance defense-related capabilities so that we can achieve common goals such as mutual interest protection, security, and the defense of shared values."

He continued, "Both the U.S. and its allies share a joint responsibility to prepare for future challenges in order to address today's security issues," and stated, "We cannot be complacent and must face the changing environment. Otherwise, we will face greater threats in terms of values and security."

Earlier, at a virtual security conference hosted by the Aspen Institute, a policy research organization, Secretary Esper said, "We have said that a fair share is 2%," and added, "Honestly, I think that depending on how wealthy a country is, it should pay more than that."

The Donald Trump administration has pressured allied countries to increase their defense cost-sharing. At last year's NATO summit, President Trump remarked, "Even agreeing to increase defense spending to 2% is too little."

President Trump, who is running for re-election this November, has also claimed that if re-elected, he will "make allies pay their fair share of defense costs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.