Reference News website, February 8 report: According to Japan's "Yomiuri Shimbun", on February 6, US President Trump signed an executive order requiring preferential export of US-made weapons to countries that strive to enhance their own defense capabilities. The report pointed out that this move is intended to pressure allies such as Japan to increase defense spending.
The report stated that the executive order emphasized that the United States' military equipment is world-class, and the United States will use weapon exports as a diplomatic tool and maximize its utilization. As criteria for priority exports, the executive order proposed the following three points: investment in national defense; playing an important role in US military operations; and contributing to the economic security of the United States. However, the executive order did not explicitly mention specific countries and regions.
US Defense Secretary Esper has shown a tough stance on allies increasing defense spending. In a speech in December last year, he stated, "Countries that do not play a role will face (serious) consequences," and "no free riding is allowed."
The report said that the US move may also hope to activate the domestic defense industry in the United States by selling US-made weapons. (Translated by Liu Lin)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7604352246117974568/
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