Washington: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated the creation of the Pentagon's 2025 National Defense Strategy (NDS) to emphasize enhancing "burden-sharing" with allies and deterring threats from China in the Indo-Pacific region, as reported by a Pentagon official on Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Sean Parnell, the assistant to the secretary for public affairs, stated that Hegseth has instructed Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to commence the development of the NDS. This comes amidst speculation that President Donald Trump might advocate for an increase in South Korea's contribution to the costs associated with the 28,500 U.S. Forces stationed in Korea.
Hegseth has demanded that a final draft of the NDS be submitted to him by August 31. The NDS serves as a strategic guide for the Pentagon's future actions.
"Consistent with the president's intent, the NDS will prioritize defense of the U.S. homeland, including America's skies and borders, and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific," Parnell mentioned in a statement. Additionally, the strategy will focus on enhancing burden-sharing with global allies and partners, thereby strengthening these relationships and establishing conditions for enduring peace.
Parnell also indicated that Colby will spearhead the NDS development in collaboration with the Joint Staff and other components of the Pentagon.