Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order aimed at prioritizing weapons sales and transfers to countries that are investing in their own defense and contribute to the United States' economic security.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the order titled "America first arms transfer strategy" aligns with the Trump administration's calls for allies and partners to increase their defense spending. This move comes as the U.S. seeks to counter growing threats from China, urging nations to bolster their self-defense measures and contribute more significantly to collective security efforts.

The document outlines that the United States will focus on arms sales to partners that have not only invested in their own defense capabilities but also hold a critical geographical or strategic role in U.S. plans and operations. Furthermore, these nations should contribute to the U.S. economic security.

In addition, the strategy aims to reinforce the U.S. defense industrial base, ensuring it possesses the capacity to support both the U.S. military and its allies and partners effectively.

The order also introduces a series of procedures for its implementation. It mandates the defense secretary to submit a sales catalog to the president within 120 days. This catalog will list prioritized platforms and systems that the U.S. encourages its allies and partners to acquire, thereby facilitating the execution of the prioritized arms sales strategy.