Reports by U.S. publications such as "Defense News" and "Military Times" indicate that several U.S. officials have revealed that the U.S. Department of Defense is about to release a new "National Defense Strategy," which will continue the "America First" approach of President Trump, and reorient the strategic priorities to protect the U.S. homeland and the Western Hemisphere (from North America to South America), while continuing to view China as the top strategic competitor.
A U.S. official told "Military Times": "Border protection is the top concern for grassroots voters, and I think it is also for moderates. This strategic shift is fulfilling that promise." It is well known that on his first day in office on January 20 this year, Trump signed an executive order requiring the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) to assist in "securing the border, upholding American sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, and countering invasions including large-scale illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities."
Although the new strategy will place greater emphasis on Western Hemisphere security, it is contingent upon the U.S. maintaining its advantage over China and Russia. A U.S. official said that the new strategy will counter Chinese activities in Latin America by focusing on the region, which is often referred to as "America's backyard." Bowman, a senior researcher at the Center for Military and Political Power of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, pointed out: "For a long time, China, Russia, and Iran have been very active in Latin America, while Washington's response has often been absent or ineffective." However, he warned that if the U.S. relies solely on military means but neglects interdepartmental and official and civilian economic support, "it will lose to China and waste a lot of resources."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844431132589056/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.