US Department of Defense: "China, the Biggest Threat to National Security... Regime End if North Korea Uses Nuclear Weapons" (Summary)

Russia Cited as an "Immediate Threat"... Emphasis on Northeast Asia
North Korea, China, Russia Nuclear Threats Highlighted... Calls for Quad Alliance of South Korea, US, Japan, Australia

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a new defense strategy, designating China as the greatest national security threat. Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. reiterated that its top security threat remains China, emphasizing that strengthening deterrence against China in Northeast Asia is the highest priority.

Regarding Russia, it is considered an immediate serious threat, and the U.S. announced plans to form a consultative body among Asian allies such as South Korea, Japan, and Australia to block the possibility of nuclear provocations from North Korea, China, and Russia.

Even Amid the Ukraine War, 'China' Remains the Top Priority

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 27th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense simultaneously released the National Defense Strategy (NDS), Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), and Missile Defense Review (MDR), defining China as the most significant strategic competitor threatening U.S. national security. Although the war in Ukraine continues, the U.S. once again emphasized that its top defense priority lies in deterring China in Northeast Asia.

Through the NDS, the Department of Defense stated, "Homeland defense against the multi-domain threats posed by China is the top priority," and pointed out that "the most comprehensive and serious challenge to U.S. national security is China's coercive and aggressive efforts to reshape the Indo-Pacific region and the international system to align with its interests and authoritarian preferences."

It further criticized, "China seeks to weaken U.S. alliances and security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and aims to leverage its growing capabilities?including economic influence, the expanding power of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and its military footprint?to coerce neighboring countries."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also stated in a press briefing that "China is the only competitor with the intent and significant power to reshape the international order."

In contrast, Russia, which is invading Ukraine, was described as an "immediate threat." The Department of Defense noted in the NDS, "While China remains the Department's pacing challenge, recent events posed by Russia highlight an urgent threat."

"If North Korea Uses Nuclear Weapons, It Will Lead to the Regime's End"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the NPR mentioned the nuclear threats from North Korea, China, and Russia together and included a warning that the use of nuclear weapons by North Korea could lead to the regime's demise. Specifically mentioning North Korea, it stated, "North Korea does not compare to China or Russia but poses a challenge to U.S. and allied nuclear deterrence," adding, "There is no scenario in which the Kim (Jong-un) regime uses nuclear weapons and survives." It further warned, "Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the U.S., its allies, or partner nations is unacceptable and will result in the regime's end."

This content is interpreted as a warning to deter North Korea's actions amid concerns over a possible seventh nuclear test. Earlier, North Korea adopted a nuclear force policy law at the Supreme People's Assembly in September, declared it would never abandon nuclear weapons, and has continued military provocations this year with various short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic missile tests.

The report also mentioned the nuclear threats from Russia and China. It stated, "Our security commitments to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region remain unchanged," and recognized "increasing security concerns due to nuclear and missile developments by North Korea, China, and Russia," pledging to strengthen deterrence capabilities in response to these regional security environment changes.

The report also hinted at the possible deployment of U.S. nuclear forces and assets. It stated, "The U.S. will flexibly deploy nuclear forces, including forward deployment of strategic bombers and nuclear weapons, to deter nuclear conflict in the region." Additionally, "The U.S. will discuss opportunities to deploy strategic assets with allies and partners to demonstrate U.S. resolve and commitment."

It further mentioned extended deterrence dialogues with South Korea, Japan, and Australia, stating it will specify practical steps to enhance consultations. The report noted, "An important goal is to create opportunities for information sharing and dialogue among the three parties?South Korea, the U.S., and Japan?or including Australia as a fourth party," adding, "This could involve regular high-level meetings or reviewing response measures for crisis management."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.