Pentagon downplays China threat: What it means for US allies

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by Yashraj SharmaJanuary 25, 2026 at 03:36 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

The 2026 Pentagon's National Defense Strategy (NDS), released in January, signals a shift in US security priorities under President Trump, downgrading the threat posed by China. The strategy prioritizes the security of the US homeland and the Western Hemisphere, aligning with Trump's "America First" approach and a renewed focus on the Monroe Doctrine. The NDS also emphasizes that US allies, particularly in the Asia Pacific region like South Korea, must increase their defense spending and take greater responsibility for their own security. This shift marks a departure from the previous decade, where China was considered the primary security and economic threat to the US. The strategy outlines four central priorities for the US military, including defending the homeland and strengthening defense industrial bases.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Marco Rubio 30% Russia 50% North Korea 50% Asia Pacific ×250% Department of Defense 60% South Korea ×260% National Defense Strategy ×470% Western Hemisphere ×370% Pentagon ×280% Donald Trump ×590% China ×690% United States ×1095%

Keywords

national defense strategy 100% china threat 90% us allies 80% western hemisphere 70% us security 60% defense department 50% monroe doctrine 40% asia pacific 40%