The Pentagon will provide 'more limited' support to its allies according to the new US National Defense Strategy, representing a shift in defense priorities. The Department of Defense now places a primary focus on the security of the US homeland and Western Hemisphere, rather than China, which was previously highlighted as the top threat in earlier strategy documents. This adjustment reflects recent remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding increased 'burden-sharing' from allies in addressing threats from Russia and North Korea.
The 34-page report, complementing last year's US National Security Strategy, does not depict Russia as a direct threat to the US but rather as a 'persistent but manageable threat' to NATO's eastern members. It calls for allies to assume more responsibility, emphasizing that the change is not a move towards 'isolationism' but a more targeted approach to US interests.
While past strategies depicted China and Russia as primary challenges, this new strategy advocates confrontation-free relations with China, aiming neither to dominate nor humiliate. Taiwan, a focal point in previous documents, remains unmentioned, although the strategy clearly states the goal to prevent dominance by China or any other nation over the US or its allies. Despite an extensive $11 billion arms deal with Taiwan late last year, the strategy envisions a 'more limited' deterrent role against North Korea, highlighting South Korea's capability to handle primary responsibilities.
Amid Trump's second presidential term, US actions have included the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, targeted strikes on drug trafficking vessels, and pressure on allies regarding Greenland acquisition. The strategy underscores the importance of securing US military and commercial access to significant terrains like the Panama Canal, Gulf of America, and Greenland. It reflects a pragmatic departure from 'utopian idealism' in favor of 'hardnosed realism,' according to the Trump administration.