US defense spending demand leaves Asian allies in limbo
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Source: Nikkei Asia
Published: 2026-06-26 04:00 UTC+10:00
Section: General
Factuality Score: 100
Opinion Category: Neutral
Topics: Politics, Education, Defence, Asia, Military & Defence, China, Tax & Budget, War & Conflict, Asia Pacific
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Snippet:
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned allies last month there would be no more "free rides" on the American taxpayer. Observers say deterring China may depend as much on allied cooperation and military interoperability as defense budgets. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Xinhua/AP and Reuters)
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