Did the U.S. and NATO break down?

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio was rarely absent from the NATO foreign ministers' meeting held on December 3 at local time. Randol, who attended on his behalf, was the first to speak at the closed-door meeting, demanding that countries should not use policy measures to 'squeeze' U.S. defense contractors out of the European market.

He then immediately left to attend other meetings.

This also surprised the attendees, as they did not expect the U.S. to so openly make demands, hoping they would increase defense spending and enhance procurement of U.S. weapons and equipment. His direct departure further exacerbated the internal conflicts within NATO.

Deputy Secretary of State Randol's remarks at the meeting also sparked significant controversy, reflecting that the U.S. tolerance toward the organization has reached its limit.

If Europe does not make corresponding adjustments, the U.S. may reduce its interactions with Europe, and NATO will become a mere shell of its former self.