Pentagon official renews calls for allies' greater defense contributions

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby reiterated calls on Monday for Asian allies to make greater defense contributions, emphasizing that the U.S. administration seeks partnerships, not dependencies, and that America cannot be taken for granted. Colby made the remarks at the Stratbase Institute in Manila, reassuring allies that America is digging in to ensure a favorable balance of power in Asia amid concerns over Trump's America First policy.

He cautioned against middle-power countries forming alliances designed to exclude America, stating that those groupings should integrate and be complementary with America's.

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