WAR SECRETARY: Hegseth Calls on Western Pacific Allies to Maintain Military Strength, ‘We Need Partners, Not Protectorates.’

In his speech, United States’ Strategy for Peace in the Indo-Pacific, Hegseth made no mention of U.S. military engagements and activities in the region, instead focusing on Washington’s overall policy, outlook and expectations.

“Alliances only work when they are true partnerships. It is a two-way street. You don’t have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game. No freeloading,” said Hegseth, who emphasized the importance of military strength in maintaining peace and stability, “We don’t need more conferences. We need more combat power. I’m sorry to say this here. Less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs.”

Hegseth said that for too long U.S. pleas for Europe to spend more on defence fell on deaf ears, but now Europe was catching up.

“You can have all the rules you want, and rules are great, but if you can’t back them up with hard power, the rules are not worth the paper they are written on. Europe and NATO have some big decisions to make,” Hegseth said.

No wonder the lefties hate him.