Pentagon identifies major threat in 'secret memo,' according to WaPo
A newly released internal Pentagon document emphasizes the importance of preparing for a potential conflict over Taiwan, prioritizing it above other threats such as Russia and Iran. The Washington Post reports that the nine-page paper, referred...
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A newly released internal Pentagon document emphasizes the importance of preparing for a potential conflict over Taiwan, prioritizing it above other threats such as Russia and Iran. The Washington Post reports that the nine-page paper, referred to as the Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance, focuses the US defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific region squarely on China and the imperative to prevent Beijing from fully controlling Taiwan through military action.
The document, which was reportedly labeled as "secret," states, “China is the Department’s sole pacing threat, and denial of a Chinese fait accompli seizure of Taiwan — while simultaneously defending the U.S. homeland is the Department’s sole pacing scenario.” According to the Washington Post, it identifies Beijing as the only potential adversary that necessitates planning for a "major power war."
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously characterized China as the primary defense concern for the United States. In light of recent changes, Beijing has voiced apprehensions regarding Washington's stance on Taiwan, particularly after the US State Department removed language from its fact sheet affirming non-support for the island's independence. China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, and this perspective is widely accepted internationally.
Additionally, the document instructs the military to concentrate on threats "from the near abroad" and remain "ready to defend American interests wherever they might be threatened in our hemisphere, from Greenland to the Panama Canal to Cape Horn." It also advises the US Army to refocus its counterterrorism efforts on groups that could directly threaten the US, deprioritizing those operating in distant regions.
Threats from nations such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea are expected to be managed by US allies going forward. Specifically, the paper indicates that Washington may not offer significant assistance to European allies in the event of a confrontation with Russia. The document calls for NATO members in Europe to substantially enhance their share of collective defense responsibilities to ensure they can effectively deter or counter Russian aggression, even if the US is already engaged in or must withhold forces to address a primary conflict in another area.
Moscow has consistently asserted that it does not intend to attack the US-led alliance, although it cautions that NATO's involvement in the ongoing Ukraine conflict could lead to a direct confrontation with Russia.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The document, which was reportedly labeled as "secret," states, “China is the Department’s sole pacing threat, and denial of a Chinese fait accompli seizure of Taiwan — while simultaneously defending the U.S. homeland is the Department’s sole pacing scenario.” According to the Washington Post, it identifies Beijing as the only potential adversary that necessitates planning for a "major power war."
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously characterized China as the primary defense concern for the United States. In light of recent changes, Beijing has voiced apprehensions regarding Washington's stance on Taiwan, particularly after the US State Department removed language from its fact sheet affirming non-support for the island's independence. China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, and this perspective is widely accepted internationally.
Additionally, the document instructs the military to concentrate on threats "from the near abroad" and remain "ready to defend American interests wherever they might be threatened in our hemisphere, from Greenland to the Panama Canal to Cape Horn." It also advises the US Army to refocus its counterterrorism efforts on groups that could directly threaten the US, deprioritizing those operating in distant regions.
Threats from nations such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea are expected to be managed by US allies going forward. Specifically, the paper indicates that Washington may not offer significant assistance to European allies in the event of a confrontation with Russia. The document calls for NATO members in Europe to substantially enhance their share of collective defense responsibilities to ensure they can effectively deter or counter Russian aggression, even if the US is already engaged in or must withhold forces to address a primary conflict in another area.
Moscow has consistently asserted that it does not intend to attack the US-led alliance, although it cautions that NATO's involvement in the ongoing Ukraine conflict could lead to a direct confrontation with Russia.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
