Growing Sense of Crisis in NATO... "Fourfold Increase in Countries Meeting Defense Spending Targets"

Defense Spending at 2% of GDP in 23 out of 32 Countries
Likely Influenced by Ukraine War and Trump's Reelection Possibility
NATO Summit to Be Held in Washington DC Next Month

More NATO member countries are joining in increasing military spending. This is interpreted as a response to former President Trump’s potential reelection, who criticized Europe for free-riding on U.S. defense costs amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to major foreign media including AP and CNBC on the 17th (local time), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House and stated, "This year, 23 NATO allies will spend 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense." This is nearly four times the number in 2021 (6 countries), before Russia invaded Ukraine. Stoltenberg also pointed out that NATO allies are purchasing more military equipment from the U.S., emphasizing, "NATO is good not only for security but also for American jobs."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

President Biden responded, "The Russia-Ukraine war is one of the most important moments NATO allies have faced in Europe since World War II," adding, "During Secretary General Stoltenberg’s tenure, the alliance has grown bigger and stronger than ever." He further explained, "We have strengthened NATO’s eastern flank to make clear that we will defend all NATO territory."

In 2014, after Russia occupied Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, NATO unanimously agreed to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense within ten years. However, only a few countries met this target, leading to criticism from U.S. politicians that Europe was free-riding on security. Especially, former President Donald Trump warned in February that NATO members not meeting the defense spending goal would not be protected if Russia invaded.

Stoltenberg acknowledged, "The U.S. claim that Europe spends too little on defense is valid," but argued, "NATO allies across Europe and Canada are increasing defense spending by 18% this year. Europe is doing its part." NATO plans to discuss defense spending and Ukraine’s NATO membership at the summit in Washington D.C. next month. Stoltenberg has claimed, "Ukraine joining the alliance alone could deter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression."

Meanwhile, Stoltenberg also issued a warning to China, which supplies materials to Russia’s defense industry. He said, "China wants to maintain good relations with the West while escalating the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II," adding, "You cannot have both. If China does not change course, there will be consequences."