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Pentagon Shifts Defense Focus to Western Hemisphere, Downplays China

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy pivots from prioritizing China to focusing on the Western Hemisphere.
The strategy calls on U.S. allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, to increase defense contributions to maintain balance.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that South Korea can defend itself.
The National Defense Strategy does not mention Taiwan, reflecting a less confrontational stance toward China.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 U.S. National Defense Strategy marked a pivotal shift in military focus, identifying China and Russia as primary threats and prompting a $686 billion defense budget. This strategy emphasized great power competition and the importance of allies like South Korea, which is enhancing its self-defense capabilities. Such developments are reshaping U.S. military strategy and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Story summary

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy pivots from prioritizing China to focusing on the Western Hemisphere.
The strategy calls on U.S. allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, to increase defense contributions to maintain balance.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that South Korea can defend itself.
The National Defense Strategy does not mention Taiwan, reflecting a less confrontational stance toward China.

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