Pentagon Chief Identifies Major Threat to U.S. Armed Forces

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has deemed a potential conflict with China over Taiwan as a priority for the national defense guidelines of the U.S. armed forces, according to a secret document reported by The Washington Post.

According to the publication, a secret document titled 'Interim National Defense Strategy' was signed by the head of the Pentagon in mid-March and circulated within the Department of Defense.

The report highlights that both the Trump administration and the Biden administration have characterized China as the greatest threat to the United States and have concentrated forces in the Pacific region in preparation for and deterrence against conflicts.

However, Austin's directives are 'unusual in that they specify a potential invasion of Taiwan as an exclusive scenario to prioritize over other possible threats.' The article notes that 'this will realign the broader military architecture of the U.S. towards the Indo-Pacific region, moving away from the homeland defense mission.'

'China is the only persistent threat [to the Department of Defense],' Austin's remarks are quoted as stating. 'Preventing China from forcibly taking Taiwan while simultaneously defending it is the only scenario for the United States,' the article states.

As noted by the newspaper, the Pentagon's new secret guidelines include plans to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities. Specifically, this will be achieved through the deployment of additional submarines, bombers, unmanned ships, as well as ground troops and marine forces in the region.

Furthermore, it is recommended to pre-position additional weapon stockpiles in the region, with particular emphasis on bunker-busting bombs. The U.S. also plans to influence Taiwan's government to increase its military expenditure share from the current 2.5% of GDP to 10%.