China Deterrence
U.S. defense strategy emphasizes South Korea's lead in deterring North Korea
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The U.S. Department of Defense's 2026 National Defense Strategy states that South Korea has the capability to take primary responsibility for deterring North Korean threats with limited American support. This aligns with the Trump administration's America First policy, aiming to modernize the alliance and shift focus toward countering China. While assessing North Korea's nuclear threat as severe, the strategy omits any goal of denuclearization.
The Trump administration's new National Security Strategy, released on December 5, raises questions about South Korea's security and its role in the Indo-Pacific by prioritizing Taiwan defense and omitting North Korean denuclearization goals. The document urges South Korea and Japan to build capabilities to defend the First Island Chain and stresses increased burden-sharing among allies. It reaffirms the U.S. 'America First' principles.