Pentagon publishes new strategy: Moscow under control, Beijing in focus
World
The United States has released a new national defense strategy, in which Russia is described as a “persistent but manageable threat” to Eastern NATO members, while China is identified as the main priority for deterrence. The document emphasizes the pursuit of stable peace, the protection of U.S. interests, and a redistribution of European security responsibilities to NATO allies.
The U.S. Department of Defense has presented a new 34-page national defense strategy. Unlike the 2022 strategy, which prioritized China, the new document describes Russia as a “persistent but manageable threat” for Eastern NATO members. It notes that Moscow retains significant military and industrial capacity and has demonstrated the national resolve to wage a protracted war, as evidenced by the conflict in Ukraine.
The strategy states that Russia is unable to claim European hegemony, and NATO countries maintain advantages in economy and population. The U.S. continues to play a “vital role” in the alliance, but the focus is shifting toward homeland defense and deterrence of China. Europe is expected to take primary responsibility for its defense, including support for Ukraine.
Regarding China, the strategy calls for deterrence “by strength, but without confrontation,” highlighting President Trump’s readiness for direct dialogue with Xi Jinping while negotiating from a position of strength.
The document also commits the U.S. to ensure military and commercial access to strategic areas — the Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico (referred to as the American Gulf), and Greenland — and to maintain the capability to act against international narcotics traffickers.
The new strategy reflects a significant pivot in U.S. foreign policy: a retreat from global domination, increased attention to Latin America and Asia, prioritizing homeland defense, and striving to end the Russia-Ukraine war swiftly while facilitating economic recovery in the region.
The strategy states that Russia is unable to claim European hegemony, and NATO countries maintain advantages in economy and population. The U.S. continues to play a “vital role” in the alliance, but the focus is shifting toward homeland defense and deterrence of China. Europe is expected to take primary responsibility for its defense, including support for Ukraine.
Regarding China, the strategy calls for deterrence “by strength, but without confrontation,” highlighting President Trump’s readiness for direct dialogue with Xi Jinping while negotiating from a position of strength.
The document also commits the U.S. to ensure military and commercial access to strategic areas — the Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico (referred to as the American Gulf), and Greenland — and to maintain the capability to act against international narcotics traffickers.
The new strategy reflects a significant pivot in U.S. foreign policy: a retreat from global domination, increased attention to Latin America and Asia, prioritizing homeland defense, and striving to end the Russia-Ukraine war swiftly while facilitating economic recovery in the region.
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