WASHINGTON — A senior Pentagon official reiterated calls Monday for Asian allies to make greater defense contributions, stressing that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seeks partnerships, “not dependencies,” and that America can no longer be “taken for granted.” Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby made the remarks at the Stratbase Institute, a Philippine think tank in Manila, reassuring allies that America is “digging in” to ensure a “favorable balance of power” in Asia amid lingering concerns that Trump’s “America First” policy could mean less U.S. engagement in the region. He also cautioned against middle-power countries forming alliances “designed to exclude America,” saying that those groupings should integrate and be complementary with America’s. He did not name those countries. “In Manila, I intend to deliver a clear message … that America’s interests are more engaged than ever in the Indo-Pacific, and that we at the Department of War are concentrated on ensuring those interests are stoutly defended,” he said. “This means a strong and growing U.S. i
