Aldridge Colby, the Ministry of National Defense policy Vice Minister, stressed that Asian allies should do more for their own defense. Earlier, he had given an overall assessment calling Korea exemplary for increasing its defense expenditure.
On the 8th (local time), Vice Minister Colby wrote on his X (formerly Twitter), explaining the intent of the new National Security Strategy (NSS) of the Donald Trump administration announced on the 5th, "Ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific requires our Asian allies to do more for their own defense."
He went on, "We will build a force capable of deterring aggression anywhere along the first island chain (archipelago line; Okinawa–Taiwan–the Philippines–the Strait of Malacca)," while adding, "The United States cannot and should not do this alone. The NSS specifies that allies should increase defense expenditure and, more importantly, do much more for collective defense."
In addition, Vice Minister Colby said, "Just as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states have pledged to spend 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, other countries are already stepping up to meet this new global standard," noting, "Most recently, Korea has done so."
At a congratulatory address during the reception for Korea's national day and the Armed Forces Day held in Washington, D.C., on the 14th of last month, he also assessed Korea's decision to increase defense expenditure (3.5% of GDP) as "a truly model ally."
Vice Minister Colby emphasized, "President Trump's NSS is common-sense and clearly and forcefully expresses his agenda of America First and peace through strength," adding, "Above all, this strategy presents his realistic approach to advancing our country's interests by ensuring that we always act from a position of superiority."
He continued, "President Trump sharply focuses on the U.S. national interest, that is, whether U.S. policy primarily benefits Americans," and said, "Through the leadership of Minister Hegseth, the war department is carrying out President Trump's NSS and ensuring peace, freedom and prosperity for all Americans."