Pete Hegseth speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery [AP=Yonhap News]

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, who is visiting France, emphasized on the 6th (local time) that European allies, including France, should bear the primary responsibility for conventional defense in Europe.

The Ministry of Defense announced that Hegseth made these remarks during a meeting with French Minister of Armed Forces Catherine Colonna, as he was in France to attend the 82nd anniversary ceremony of the World War II Normandy landings.

Sean Parnell, spokesperson for the Department of Defense, stated that Hegseth emphasized, "The historic victory in 1944 was built on the foundation of burden-sharing among capable and committed allies."

Hegseth and Colonna discussed "the urgent need for NATO allies to take primary responsibility for conventional defense on the European continent by increasing defense spending to 5% of their GDP, expanding defense industrial base production, and possessing credible forces capable of actual combat operations."

The Ministry of Defense reported that they agreed to accelerate the transition of the NATO alliance to 'NATO 3.0', composed of true 'partners' rather than 'dependents'.

Speaking at the American Cemetery in Normandy, Hegseth stressed, "We stand with our allies, and we expect our allies to stand with us with capability and readiness," adding, "Allies must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in decisive moments."

He stated, "Strong allies who fully do their part win wars," and "Real allies took real action, and bore real sacrifice for a common cause worth fighting and dying for."

He added, "Peace is guaranteed only through strength. And it is the strength of both sides of the Atlantic (the U.S. and Europe) reinforced by readiness, common military power, and unwavering political will."

This statement is interpreted as emphasizing that European countries should take the lead in conventional defense in Europe, citing the Normandy operation where U.S. and European allies shed blood together.

It is also seen as a renewed expression of dissatisfaction that European allies showed a passive attitude in the war with Iran, not standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States.

At the Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) held in Singapore in late May, Hegseth warned, "Allies who refuse to step up and do their part for our collective defense will face a clear change in how we operate."

The Donald Trump administration has recently indicated its intention to reduce U.S. forces stationed in Europe and major conventional weapon systems. In particular, it has threatened to withdraw from NATO, expressing dissatisfaction with European allies not supporting the war with Iran.

Normandy American Cemetery [AP=Yonhap News]

Hegseth also raised the issue of illegal immigration in Europe, using the strong term 'invasion' on this day.

He stated, "Sadly, too many beaches in Europe today are being invaded by different, dangerous ideologies. Boats and people are arriving on the shores of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. When will European capitals respond to that invasion, or is it already too late?" he questioned.

The U.S. government has frequently criticized European countries for their inadequate border control.

The U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) document released last year warned that Europe faces "the extinction of its civilization" and must change course to remain a reliable U.S. ally.

The Normandy landings were the largest amphibious assault operation during World War II, conducted by Allied forces, primarily American, British, and Canadian, on June 6, 1944, in Normandy, France, under Nazi German occupation.

Approximately 156,000 Allied troops were deployed, and the operation is considered a historic event that liberated France from German occupation and changed the tide of World War II.

France holds an anniversary ceremony every year on June 6th, and every five years, it invites heads of state from participating countries and veterans to Normandy for an international commemorative event.