US criticises Europe over defence spending as NATO reassures Asia 

SINGAPORE, May 31: The United States fired a fresh broadside at its NATO allies in Singapore over the weekend but Western European officials insisted the grouping remains resilient.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Asian partners for boosting defence spending and aligning closely with Washington as tensions with China mount.

"When our interests align, we act together with focused resolve," he said. "When our interests diverge, we adjust pragmatically without the drama or the moralising. I think Western Europe might take note."

"Europe and NATO have some big decisions to make," he said. President Donald Trump's administration has repeatedly accused European governments of underinvesting in their militaries and relying too heavily on US protection, while urging both Europe and Asian allies to boost defence spending to 3.5% of GDP.    �"REUTERS