Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- July 6, 2018

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Daily Mail: Trump calls U.S. 'schmucks' for paying to safeguard Germany and says of Merkel: 'I don't know how much protection we get by protecting you'

* The president hammered nations that are not paying their fair share in remarks at NATO's headquarters last year in Brussels
* U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison said Thursday that the U.S. had improved an improvement since then, but it's still not enough
* NATO nations to aim to contribute the equivalent of 2 percent of their GDP tot the security organization's defense fund in 2014
* Hutchinson told reporters in advance of the trip that it's 'not just a number that was pulled out of the air'
* 'We all have to remember that we are now facing major threats by Russia...most certainly we have a rising China, and we have counter terrorism,' she stated
* The U.S. at the same time slapped down a report that said Trump was considering a troop draw down in Germany over contribution concerns

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States is 'schmucks' for paying more for Europe's defense than its most wealthy nations, singling out Germany in his assault.

Trump said that the United States spends billions to 'protect against Russia and yet they pay billions of dollars to Russia and we’re the schmucks that are paying for the whole thing.'

The president said during a Montana rally he told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he 'can’t guarantee' her country's security.

'We’re protecting you. And it means a lot more to you than protecting us,' he says he told her. ‘Cause I don’t know how much protection we get by protecting you.'

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- July 6, 2018

What Does Trump Want From NATO? (Besides More Money) -- Jonathan Stearns, Bloomberg

Trump tensions peak ahead of NATO summit -- The Hill

8 NATO countries to hit defense spending target -- Politico

German defense minister strikes back on NATO spending target -- Politico

Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany is not being discussed, U.S. ambassador to NATO says -- Washington Post

Trump’s NATO summit focus won’t include withdrawing troops from Europe -- Defense News

Stoltenberg: It’s in Trump's interest to back NATO countries at summit -- CNBC

What is the point of NATO? -- Thomas Walkom, Toronto Star

China is working on a new fighter jet for aircraft carriers to replace its J-15s -- SCMP

Chinese firm eyes overseas market as strike drone Yaoying-2 makes maiden flight -- SCMP

China's military reforms to 'WIN A WAR' and overtake the US revealed in leaked memo -- Express

China-Africa military ties have deepened. Here are 4 things to know. -- Washington Post

This Is How the U.S. Thinks China Could Invade Taiwan -- Michael Peck, National Interest

China tried to spy on German parliament — report -- DW

Pakistan inks naval shipbuilding, technology transfer deal with Turkey -- Defense News

Justin Trudeau to visit Canadian troops in Latvia ahead of NATO summit -- Calgary Herald/Canadian Press

Why have French arms exports dropped 50 percent from 2016 to 2017? -- Defense News

Watch France and Germany's next-generation stealth fighter, a 2-engine jet that looks like it'll outclass the F-35 -- Business Insider

Three Ukraine soldiers die in training accident: military -- Channel News agency/Reuters

Ukraine to Take Part in NATO Summit Despite Hungarian Objection -- VOA

America’s ‘oldest ally’ runs naval aviation drills to strengthen NATO, strike techniques -- Defense News

Modern War Threats May Speed Amphib Assault Ship Buys - Navy: Not Enough Amphibs -- Warrior Maven

Abrams tanks get new round of Israeli-made ‘shields’ to fend off anti-tank weapons -- Defense News

Northrop Grumman contracted for mine detection system support -- UPI

US Army making 100 kilowatt lasers to defend against drones, rockets and mortars -- Next Big Future

Engine for US Military's New Space Plane Fires Up in 10-Day Test -- Space.com

More veterans’ requests for help on immigration are rejected now, data shows -- Military Times

US Army quietly discharging immigrant recruits -- AP

Army discharging some immigrant recruits: report -- The Hill

Binge eating, other disorders up among servicemembers -- Stars and Stripes

Yes, the U.S. Military Is In Decline. And There Is No Need to Panic -- Robert Farley, National Interest

Is Cyber the Perfect Weapon? -- Joseph S. Nye, Project Syndicate