Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signaled a new era of cooperation during a NATO meeting on Wednesday, while warning of the threat from “strategic competitors” at a press conference with Pentagon press secretary John Kirby.
Why does it matter: Austin’s first meeting with NATO’s defense ministers marks a clear departure from the previous administration. Relations with European allies became so strained under former President Trump that French President Emmanuel Macron referred to NATO as “brain death”.
- The message makes it clear that NATO leaders should be more concerned about the threat posed not only by China, but also by Russia, which has enjoyed more friendly relations under Trump, by CNN.
What they are saying: Austin reaffirmed President Biden’s message that the United States “intends to revitalize our relationship with the alliance,” said Kirby.
- “Secretary Austin emphasized that NATO’s most important task is to protect our populations and territories by presenting a reliable deterrent and a strong army.”
The big picture: At the first two-day virtual meeting, heads of defense examined proposals, including strengthening allies’ commitment to deterrence and defense, providing incentives to contribute more capabilities and ensure a fairer burden sharing, said the secretary general. NATO’s Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, according to a statement.