Previously secret details of Trump administration's Indo-Pacific strategy revealed
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:54 am
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-12/ ... d/13052216
A newly declassified US national security document, which 7.30 has gained exclusive early access to, reveals previously secret details of the Trump administration's strategy for the Indo-Pacific region.
"This is a highly significant document. It's extraordinary that it's been released decades early," Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at ANU, said.
The language of the document is likely to be seen to confirm to Beijing its claims that the US is seeking to contain China.
"This strategic framework is very forthright on China — not quite confrontational but very firm," Professor Medcalf said.
"It's under no illusions about the nature of Chinese power or the assertive way in which China is using its power."
The strategy commits to "devise and implement a defense strategy capable of, but not limited to: (1) denying China sustained air and sea dominance inside the 'first island chain' in a conflict; (2) defending the first island chain nations, including Taiwan; and (3) dominating all domains outside the first island chain".
"This is very clear code for America holding its ground with Taiwan, with partners and allies in the South China Sea, with Japan, with Korea, really maintaining the integrity of those relationships and protecting them from Chinese assertiveness and Chinese aggression," Professor Medcalf said.
Sources say the document's language on Taiwan should be read as the US committing to having the capability to deter and, if necessary, rebuff China's incursions on Taiwan, rather than an intent.
A newly declassified US national security document, which 7.30 has gained exclusive early access to, reveals previously secret details of the Trump administration's strategy for the Indo-Pacific region.
"This is a highly significant document. It's extraordinary that it's been released decades early," Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at ANU, said.
The language of the document is likely to be seen to confirm to Beijing its claims that the US is seeking to contain China.
"This strategic framework is very forthright on China — not quite confrontational but very firm," Professor Medcalf said.
"It's under no illusions about the nature of Chinese power or the assertive way in which China is using its power."
The strategy commits to "devise and implement a defense strategy capable of, but not limited to: (1) denying China sustained air and sea dominance inside the 'first island chain' in a conflict; (2) defending the first island chain nations, including Taiwan; and (3) dominating all domains outside the first island chain".
"This is very clear code for America holding its ground with Taiwan, with partners and allies in the South China Sea, with Japan, with Korea, really maintaining the integrity of those relationships and protecting them from Chinese assertiveness and Chinese aggression," Professor Medcalf said.
Sources say the document's language on Taiwan should be read as the US committing to having the capability to deter and, if necessary, rebuff China's incursions on Taiwan, rather than an intent.