Trump to Announce New U.S. Security Strategy

U.S. media reports, citing officials from the U.S. government, indicate that Donald Trump will emphasize the 'America First' policy and criticize China in a speech regarding the national security strategy of the United States, scheduled for Monday, December 18. It is expected that the topic of Iran will also be addressed in this speech. According to reports from the United States, Mr. Trump will criticize China for adopting 'hostile economic policies.' The U.S. President has praised Xi Jinping, the President of China, on various occasions and was recently his guest in Beijing, but at the same time has urged him to take further actions regarding North Korea. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated following North Korea's repeated missile tests and a recent nuclear test, which have been accompanied by threats from the North Korean leadership regarding attacks on the U.S. or its allies, as well as statements from the U.S. President about the 'complete destruction' of North Korea. The tensions on the Korean Peninsula have once again brought China into the spotlight, making it a target of criticism for its unwillingness to increase pressure on North Korea. China has rejected these criticisms and, while stating that it implements Security Council resolutions, emphasizes that its influence over Pyongyang has limits. China is also frequently criticized by the U.S. for its economic policies. Rex Tillerson, the Secretary of State in the Trump administration, stated in October that the U.S. now views India as a 'key partner' against what it described as 'China's negative influence in Asia.' Michael Allen, a former U.S. official during George W. Bush's presidency, told the Financial Times that the national security strategy would initiate a series of economic measures against China. From the perspective of this former U.S. official, the announcement of the new strategy is 'turning campaign promises into a cohesive government document.' However, some critics argue that a more hostile approach towards China may create new challenges for trade with this Asian economic giant. It is expected that issues related to Iran, Russia, and North Korea will also be raised in Monday's speech. Previously, the English website 'Voice of America' reported that this new strategy would emphasize 'the threats posed by countries like Iran and North Korea' in addition to the threats from Russia and China. H.R. McMaster, Trump's National Security Advisor, stated on December 12 that the new strategy would focus on protecting the United States, increasing the country's prosperity and comfort, maintaining peace through strength, and expanding U.S. influence. According to Mr. McMaster, 'Our actions to ensure the rule of law, the sovereignty of neighboring countries, and support for peace, stability, and collective security after World War II and the Cold War must be greater than ever.' Government officials have told the media that McMaster and his deputy, Dina Powell, have overseen the preparation of the new strategy, which was written by Nadia Schadlow. The U.S. national security strategy is an official document that U.S. presidents typically announce every four years. The formal announcement of this strategy has been common since Ronald Reagan's time.