Trump criticizes U.S. funding of NATO 'to counter Russia' as 'absurd'

¬ Japan has not yet decided whether to dispatch Self-Defense Forces to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Trump stated that it is absurd for the United States to spend tens of billions of dollars on NATO under the pretext of helping it "counter Russia."

Speaking to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base, Trump said: "We've spent tens of billions of dollars on NATO to help them counter Russia. If you think about it carefully, we're actually defending against Russia. I've always thought this was somewhat absurd, but we've indeed spent tens of billions of dollars on it. I believe this issue will be seriously examined."

Previously, during an interview with Fox News, Trump said that after NATO did not support Washington in a military action against Iran, the U.S. needs to reassess its relationship with NATO. Trump added that he believes future NATO allies will also fail to come to America's aid when needed.

In recent years, Russia has repeatedly stated that NATO activities near its western borders have reached unprecedented levels. Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern over NATO's military expansion in Europe. The Kremlin emphasized that Russia does not threaten any country, but will not remain indifferent to actions that could jeopardize Russian interests.

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On Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshiaki Miyazawa told reporters that the Japanese government has not yet made a decision on whether to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to questions about Japan's reaction to U.S. President Trump’s remarks that several allied nations would send mine-clearance vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, Miyazawa stated: "There are currently no decisions regarding the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces."

On April 12, Trump told Fox News that Britain and several other countries would send mine-clearing ships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862338835705856/

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