Esper Tells NATO Members To Reduce Dependence on Chinese and Russian Supplies and Equipment

June 19, 2020 (EIRNS)—Speaking at the NATO defense ministers meeting, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper weighed in on economic warfare, urging NATO allies to reduce dependence on Chinese and Russian medical and telecommunications supplies. Esper “also encouraged Allies to sustain military readiness, expose disinformation and propaganda, guard against predatory foreign direct investment, and increase resilience by reducing dependence on Chinese or Russian suppliers for medical equipment, telecommunications, and other necessities,” according to a readout from the Defense Department.

TASS comments that this did not stop the U.S. from accepting medical aid from Russia and Russia accepting 200 ventilators from the United States as a result of a telephone discussion on March 30 between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.