American Plan to Cut Troops in NATO's Eastern Wing

Reuters, October 29 - According to the Romanian Ministry of Defense, the United States plans to reduce the number of troops deployed in eastern Europe, including soldiers originally scheduled to be stationed at the Mihai Celeacu Air Base in Romania.

The Romanian Defense Ministry said that this decision was expected due to changes in the U.S. government's priorities. There will still be about 1,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in Romania. The Romanian Defense Ministry did not disclose the exact number of U.S. soldiers who will be withdrawn.

The Romanian Defense Ministry stated that the U.S. has decided to stop the rotational deployment of one of its brigades in Europe, which had previously established forces in several NATO countries.

Romanian Defense Minister Mihai Mosoiu revealed during a press conference that the brigade had deployed forces in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia.

The Romanian Defense Ministry said that the U.S. considered the enhanced presence and activities of NATO in the eastern flank, allowing the U.S. to adjust its military deployment in the region.

Mosoiu emphasized that the relationship between Romania and the U.S. remains strong, and Romania's security can be guaranteed.

He said that the military forces stationed in Romania remain strong, consisting of both U.S. soldiers and forces from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, and North Macedonia.

He also mentioned that Romania has received an advanced air defense system from the U.S., which will enhance Romania's ability to defend against drone intrusions.

A NATO official said that NATO allies maintain close communication regarding troop deployments and added that the U.S. adjusting its military deployments is not uncommon.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told Sky News UK that the process of the U.S. shifting its strategic focus had already begun during President Obama's administration. He said: "The U.S. is focusing on competition with China, and Europe must ensure its own defense."

Previously, President Trump had informed America's European allies that due to the U.S. focusing more on its own borders and the Indo-Pacific region, their European allies need to take greater responsibility for their own security.

However, Trump also said in September that the U.S. might increase the number of troops stationed in Poland.

Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said during a press conference that Poland has not received any information about possible U.S. troop reductions within its territory.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847317571204096/

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