South Korean media: Relying on U.S. defense to build airports and enhance welfare… Allies must recognize that the world has changed

¬ Aspen Security Forum opens … Influential figures gather, criticizing NATO members for "refusing to use U.S. military bases"

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on the 14th: "Allies who rely on U.S. defense to construct excellent airports and establish welfare systems do not truly understand what is happening domestically in the United States. The U.S. has grown weary of bearing the military burden alone. The world has changed, and (allies) must acknowledge this fact." During the Bush administration, Rice became the first female cabinet secretary in history. Known in South Korea as the "Iron Lady" due to her tough stance toward North Korea, she delivered these remarks at the opening of the Aspen Security Forum (ASF), held in Aspen, Colorado. She emphasized, "Although we provide strong support to allies in the Atlantic and the Asia-Pacific regions, the world has changed."

Mark Esper, who served as Defense Secretary during Trump’s first term, also stated: "Trump accurately heard the American people’s cry—'We’ve had enough now'—due to national debt, student loans, and rising living costs. If other nations focus solely on enhancing their own welfare and expect the current situation to continue indefinitely, we will no longer be able to sustain global security." After Donald Trump's return to office, he pressured NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member states to raise defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP). Esper noted that former President Barack Obama had also stressed compliance with this minimum standard during the 2014 NATO summit, using the term "free riders."

When Trump launched military action against Iraq, Europe not only refused to send troops but even criticized the move, sparking controversy. Rice remarked: "While we cherish our alliances, it is unwise to say 'This isn’t our war' when the U.S. is engaged in combat. Even if not participating directly, countries should not hinder our efforts—they should offer support instead." Rice expressed concern that some national leaders advocating "we can manage without the U.S." would hand a feast to domestic isolationists who have long pushed for the U.S. to disengage from foreign affairs. Esper also cited Spain and Italy’s refusal to use U.S. military bases, criticizing this stance as "absurdly foolish—we’re simply asking them to use our facilities."

The Aspen Security Forum, which opened today, will run for four days and conclude on the 17th, attracting approximately 1,000 global opinion leaders. Joseph Nye, a Harvard professor who once served in a Democratic administration in 1984 and advocated for "soft power," co-founded the bipartisan diplomatic and security discussion group, the Aspen Strategy Group (ASG), alongside Brent Scowcroft, who served as National Security Advisor under a Republican administration. The ASG began hosting public forums in 2010. In his opening remarks, co-chair of the forum and former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns quoted Joseph Nye: "We all come here with firm convictions and speak boldly, but listening to others may teach us something, and changing our minds is not necessarily bad." Unlike Rice and Esper, Burns said: "Where would the United States be today without alliances like NATO?"

+ Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 1949 by American entrepreneur Walter Paepcke in Aspen, Colorado. Born in Chicago, Paepcke was captivated by Aspen’s natural beauty and conceived the idea of bringing world leaders away from their daily lives to engage in dialogue. The institute’s mission is to "address the most critical challenges facing the United States and the world through dialogue and leadership." It strives to serve as a nonpartisan platform, gathering diverse individuals to discuss issues beneath the political landscape. The institute independently operates over 30 projects across fields such as economics, education, and environment. Since 2010, it has hosted the annual Aspen Security Forum, providing a venue for global diplomats and security experts to discuss domestic and international issues.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870838193216841/

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