Hegseth has been crusading to get partners in Europe to shoulder more of the financial burden as the US recalibrates its focus towards China .

Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte warned that the current target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence is no longer sustainable after very public criticism from Donald Trump.

A Bruxelles “per proseguire lavoro avviato dal presidente Trump”

'Our message is going to continue to be clear. It's deterrence and peace through strength, but it can't be reliance,' Hegseth said at a meeting with counterparts in Brussels.

Gli alleati della Nato si stanno avvicinando a un consenso sull'impegno del 5% del Pil da destinare alla spesa per la difesa. (ANSA)

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the message as he met ministers from the military alliance in Brussels.

Hegseth has been crusading to get partners in Europe to shoulder more of the financial burden as the US recalibrates its focus towards China .