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.
