Afghanistan, July 4 -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Berlin's plans to sharply increase defence spending on Friday, saying Germany is carrying out one of the largest military buildups in its postwar history after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed criticism of NATO allies over burden-sharing.
Speaking in Berlin while hosting leaders from the Baltic states ahead of next week's NATO summit in Ankara, Merz said Germany would double its defence budget within four years as part of a wider effort to strengthen its armed forces and European security.
"Germany is doubling its defence budget within four years. This is the greatest effort we have ever made to strengthen our defence capabilities. In this respect, we have no reason to sh...