The United States has unveiled a sharply strengthened Indo-Pacific defence posture aimed at deterring China’s expanding military reach, industrial leverage, and geopolitical influence across one of the world’s most strategically contested regions.

In its forthcoming National Security Strategy, the Trump administration characterises the Indo-Pacific as “the defining economic and geopolitical arena of the next century” and asserts that the US must be ready to “deny aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain.” The document marks one of Washington’s most assertive strategic recalibrations toward China in recent decades.

Correcting ‘mistaken assumptions’

The strategy argues that earlier US engagement with Beijing was driven by “misjudged American assumptions” that economic integration would encourage political liberalisation. Instead, it contends, decades of cooperation allowed China to accumulate economic power, challenge global norms, and gain asymmetric advantages over American industries and workers.

“Across four administrations, leaders from both parties either underestimated China’s intentions or ignored emerging warning signs,” the strategy states. The document argues that Washington must now confront a series of destabilising Chinese practices, including state-backed industrial subsidies, intellectual property theft, coercive trade measures, and efforts to control critical global supply chains—from rare earth minerals to pharmaceutical precursors.

The report specifically highlights China’s export of chemical precursors used in manufacturing fentanyl, linking it to the opioid crisis inside the United States.

Focus on Taiwan and regional flashpoints

The strategy places particular emphasis on Taiwan’s strategic importance, calling the island “a critical node that shapes control of the Western Pacific.” Its position between Northeast and Southeast Asia and its access to the Second Island Chain make stability in the Taiwan Strait central to US defence planning.

The administration reaffirms the long-standing American position that it does not support any unilateral change to the Taiwan Strait status quo—whether by Beijing or Taipei. However, it warns that China continues to expand pressure on Taiwan through military manoeuvres, grey-zone coercion, and efforts to isolate Taipei diplomatically.

The document also warns that dominance of the South China Sea by any single power would pose major risks for global commerce. With nearly one-third of the world’s maritime trade passing through these waters, Washington argues that Chinese control could enable a “toll system” or allow Beijing to disrupt shipping flows. It calls for “firm measures” to ensure free navigation and uninterrupted access to sea lanes.

Strengthening alliances and new capabilities

To maintain deterrence, the administration says the US must sustain a favourable military balance across the region. That includes deeper investments in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous weapons systems, and advanced energy capabilities.

The strategy places heavier expectations on US allies—urging them to increase defence spending, expand access for forward-deployed US forces, and prioritise deterrence across the First and Second Island Chains.

India is identified as a pivotal partner in shaping regional stability. The strategy emphasises strengthening commercial, strategic, and technological cooperation with New Delhi, along with expanding joint initiatives through the Quad.

A formalised approach to long-term rivalry

The release of the strategy comes amid escalating US–China competition across technology, security, and economics. By codifying China as the pacing challenge and defining clear priorities for the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration signals that this competitive framework will guide American policy for years.