DOD Prioritizes China as Key Strategic Challenge

China (Washington Insider Magazine) – The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has reaffirmed that China remains the primary strategic challenge, emphasizing the need to strengthen alliances, enhance force posture, and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Highlights:

• China’s expanding influence:
  • The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is being used for coercive statecraft, with China seeking to reshape the Indo-Pacific order.
• U.S. Strategy in Response:
  • Strengthening alliances with Japan, Australia, India, and the Philippines.
  • Expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines.
  • Supporting Japan’s acquisition of counterstrike capabilities.
  • Advancing nuclear-powered submarine capability for Australia under AUKUS.
  • Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act.
• Force Posture Enhancements:
  • More distributed, mobile, and resilient military positioning across the Indo-Pacific.
  • Increased cooperation with regional and European allies to counter China’s influence.