WP declassified Hegseth’s instructions to US Army: China is only serious threat, Europe must deal with Russia
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has identified a potential conflict with China over Taiwan as a priority for the U.S. Armed Forces in a secret national defense manual distributed to Pentagon officials.
As noted, the document is titled "Interim National Strategic Defense Guidance," and most of its sections are marked "secret/not for foreigners." According to it, when planning a major war with a great power, only a possible conflict with China will be taken into account, while the threat from Russia should be dealt with by allies in Europe.
"China is the single most serious threat to the Department of Defense, and preventing a Chinese takeover of Taiwan-while simultaneously defending the United States-is the only scenario the department is focused on," Hagesse wrote in the manual.
It includes increasing the presence of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region with submarines, bombers, drones, and specialized Army and Marine units, as well as improving the defense of U.S. troop locations, stockpiling, and improving logistics.
In addition, the document provides for pressure on Taipei to "significantly increase" its defense spending. Earlier, the administration of US President Donald Trump demanded that Taipei spend up to 10% of its GDP on defense.
At the same time, due to limited resources and personnel, the Pentagon recognizes possible "risks in other theaters," particularly in the context of deterring Russia, North Korea, and Iran. To this end, the United States is seeking to increase pressure on allies in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia to spend more on defense.
The instruction also provides guidance on securing access to the Panama Canal, greater counteraction to drug trafficking, border security, deportations, and the expansion of US nuclear forces and missile defense through the Golden Dome system.
Earlier, Censor.NET reported that the United States is trying to speed up arms supplies to Taiwan.
