Trump defence chief warns Nato members to increase defence spending or US will ‘moderate its commitment’
NATO members were warned Wednesday to ramp up defence spending or America would “moderate its commitment”.
US Defence Secretary James Mattis issued the stinging ultimatum at his first ever summit at the alliance’s Brussels HQ.
Echoing President Donald Trump's irritation with freeloading member states, Mattis, said: “No longer can the American taxpayer carry a disproportionate share of the defence of Western values.
“Americans cannot care more for your children’s future security than you do.
“America will meet its responsibilities, but if your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals need to show support for our common defence.”
Americans cannot care more for your children’s future security than you do
James Mattis
Each Nato member should be spending at least two per cent of GDP on defence – but many wealthy members, including Germany, do not.
Washington has repeatedly whinged about the easy reliance on America’s superpower status.
But Mattis’ blunt “concrete terms” language is certain to ramp up the pressure – at a time when Russia is menacing its border with Europe.
Former Marine Corps General Mattis – nicknamed Mad Dog – called for “milestone dates” this year that would track Nato member contributions.
Currently, only the United States, Britain, Estonia, Greece and Poland have hit or surpassed the two percent figure.
A think tank claimed this week the UK had actually dipped below the two per cent target – with spending dropping to 1.98 per cent last year.
Mattis added: “We must ensure we are not in the same spot at the end of the year that we are in today.”
Despite the broadside Mattis maintained Nato remained a “fundamental bedrock” of security.
His call for more cash was backed by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, also attending the summit.
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Mr Fallon said: “Nato has been a guarantee of mutual security for more than half a century.
“Britain is now calling for our partners to step up and share burdens on spending and help it become more agile in dealing with new threats including cyber and terrorism.
“As leading player in the Alliance we recognise the importance of backing up our operational and exercise commitments with investment in new equipment to deal with threats to our security.”