The head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization rebutted claims by Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump that the alliance has increased spending in response to his critique.

Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary-general, also said the alliance will defend all allies, a response to Mr. Trump’s earlier suggests that the U.S. would examine how much allies spend on defense before coming to their aid.

“We don’t say: If you don’t pay, we won’t protect you,” Mr. Stoltenberg said….

Mr. Trump also said NATO spending has risen as a result of his criticism of the alliance, a point also disputed by Mr. Stoltenberg. He said prodding European countries has been on top of his agenda and that of the alliance.

“After years of decline in defense spending there is now an increase in defense spending among European allies,” Mr. Stoltenberg said. “But this is not something that was caused by the U.S. election campaign.”

Image: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Oct. 20, 2016 (photo: NATO)