Washington: An updated U.S. nuclear employment strategy calls for the United States to be able to deter threats from North Korea, China, and Russia "simultaneously" during peacetime, a crisis, and in conflict, a Pentagon report showed Friday. On Thursday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin submitted to Congress the "491 Report," which describes the nuclear employment strategy in reflection of an unclassified description of nuclear employment guidance issued by President Joe Biden earlier this year, according to the Pentagon. According to Yonhap News Agency, the updated strategy directs the U.S. government to have the capability to simultaneously address threats from the three countries. It notes that "growing collaboration and collusion" between Pyongyang, Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran make the global security situation "even more challenging." The report elaborates that the updated elements of the guidance require the United States to deter Russia, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) simultaneously in peacetime, crisis, and conflict. The report underscores Pyongyang's continued advances in its nuclear and missile programs, highlighting North Korea's expansion, diversification, and improvement of its nuclear, ballistic missile, and non-nuclear capabilities. It identifies Russia as posing an "acute" threat with its large, modern, and diversified nuclear arsenal of strategic and theater-range weapons, as well as its pursuit of novel nuclear systems. The document also highlights China's ambitious expansion, modernization, and diversification of its nuclear forces, including the establishment of a nascent nuclear triad. Senior U.S. officials have warned that adjustments to the number of deployed U.S. nuclear capabilities may be necessary if potential adversaries continue expanding their nuclear arsenals. Nuclear threats from North Korea, China, and Russia have gained renewed attention as Russia deepens its cooperation with North Korea and China amid diplomatic isolat ion caused by the war in Ukraine. In a sign of their growing cooperation, Russia and North Korea signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty during a summit in June. Additionally, Russia and China have emphasized their "no limits" partnership, while Washington has criticized Beijing for supporting Russia's defense industrial base. The Pentagon stated in a press release that updating U.S. nuclear employment guidance is routine and critical to ensuring that U.S. nuclear forces, plans, and posture continue to deter adversaries, assure allies and partners, and achieve national objectives if deterrence fails.