We need to strengthen NATO for “containment” of Russia and China, said the Secretary of defense mark Esper.
Esper said that the U.S. should work with NATO allies to enhance the combat readiness of the Alliance. According to him, “this applies to everything from ensuring that allies and partners have spent at least 2% GDP on defense.” The Minister of defense stated that it had been “little progress in this over the last couple of years, but more needs to be done”.
“We need to strengthen NATO and to strengthen our partners, which we look forward,” quotes his words TASS.
The Pentagon said that should support increased spending for NATO. Means, in his opinion, should go to deterring opponents. In particular, the need to “contain Russia”, said Esper.
He believes that “Russia is a slightly less difficult task than China.” The Esper called Russia a “world troublemaker”, reiterating U.S. criticism of the reunification of Russia and Crimea, and Moscow’s policy towards Ukraine and Syria.
the Esper believes China is a greater problem.
“Me and everyone who understands China, it is obvious that they have the desire to oust the us – of course, from the region and preferably from the world arena”, – he said.
Recall Esper in the first year at the helm of the Pentagon reported the successful “containment” of enemies of the United States. Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the US administration obsessed with the desire to keep everyone but yourself.
