During a news conference at the White House, President Donald Trump expressed his intention to work towards reducing military spending with US rivals China and Russia. He emphasized the importance of fostering peaceful relations among nations, stating that cooperation is crucial for global stability.
Trump highlighted the significant amount allocated to the US military budget, which is projected to reach approximately $915 billion this year. He noted that both Russia and China also maintain substantial military budgets in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
The President questioned the rationale behind such high levels of military expenditure, suggesting that resources could be redirected to more constructive purposes if nations collaborated rather than competed against each other.
Trump mentioned his previous discussions with Russian and Chinese leaders regarding the possibility of reaching a denuclearization agreement. He expressed optimism about resuming these efforts and indicated a willingness to engage in trilateral talks with President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
Trump proposed the idea of a leaders' meeting to collectively address defense spending, with the potential to reduce it by half. He suggested that such a gathering could be convened once tensions in the Middle East subside.
The President's remarks underscore his commitment to promoting diplomacy and reducing military tensions on the global stage. By advocating for cooperation and dialogue, Trump aims to pave the way for a more peaceful and secure international environment.
