Trump says Washington reviewing position on Falklands

US President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington is reviewing its position on the Falkland Islands, following reports that the United States could oppose Britain’s sovereignty over the South Atlantic territory if London fails to increase defence spending.

The issue was reportedly included in Pentagon proposals aimed at pressuring NATO allies to meet defence spending commitments, according to The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper reported that Britain could face particular scrutiny under a US push for allies to meet a 5% defence spending target.

“I always review every position. That’s just one of many,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked whether the US was reconsidering its stance on the Falklands.

Asked whether he wanted the government of British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to raise its current defence spending commitments, Trump said: “The UK’s got some problems but they’ll get solved.”

Washington officially recognises Britain’s de facto administration of the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, while maintaining a neutral position on the competing sovereignty claims.

The US State Department reaffirmed that position in April, telling AFP that Washington’s stance on the islands “remains one of neutrality.” However, according to the Telegraph, the Pentagon review could recommend threatening to withdraw support for Britain’s sovereignty claim as an incentive for London to increase military spending.

Decades-old sovereignty dispute

The Falkland Islands remain a major source of tension between Britain and Argentina more than four decades after the two countries fought a war over the territory in 1982.

Argentina invaded the British overseas territory, prompting then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to send a naval task force to retake the islands. The conflict killed 649 Argentine troops, 255 British service personnel and three islanders.

The United States, led by President Ronald Reagan, initially maintained a neutral position. After diplomatic efforts failed, however, Washington provided Britain with military and intelligence support.

The sovereignty dispute has continued to feature in relations between the two countries. Earlier this year, Argentina’s football team players displayed a banner reading “The Falklands are Argentine” after defeating England 2-1 in a World Cup semi-final. FIFA subsequently fined the Argentine Football Association $321,000.