Washington: South Korea is poised to take on the primary responsibility for deterring threats from North Korea, with the United States providing critical but more limited support, according to a newly released U.S. national defense strategy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Defense Strategy (NDS) by the Pentagon aligns with the Trump administration's push for allies to enhance their own defense capabilities. The strategy emphasizes a shift in the balance of responsibility, reflecting America's interest in modernizing its alliance with Seoul to better address threats from China, its top strategic rival.

Despite the strategy's portrayal of North Korea as a direct military threat to South Korea, it omits any mention of pursuing North Korea's denuclearization, a goal U.S. President Donald Trump has committed to achieving. The document underscores South Korea's capability in handling its defense needs, supported by its military strength, high defense spending, and mandatory conscription.

The NDS suggests that by adjusting the balance of security responsibility, the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea can become stronger and more mutually beneficial, aligning better with America's defense priorities. The release of this strategy coincides with speculation about potential changes in the mission and operational scope of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), which has traditionally focused on North Korean threats.

The Pentagon's document highlights the growing threats from North Korea, while reiterating calls for increased burden-sharing among allies. It acknowledges the direct military threat posed by North Korea to both South Korea and Japan, emphasizing the need for vigilance against a potential invasion.

North Korea's missile capabilities, which can target South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. with conventional and nuclear weapons, underline the importance of this defense strategy. The NDS also stresses the growing capabilities of North Korea's nuclear forces, which now pose a clear and present danger to the U.S. homeland.

A key focus of the strategy is on burden-sharing, with the Pentagon proposing incentives for allies to take primary responsibility for their own defense. The document stresses the importance of allies and partners sharing the burden of collective defense, facilitating closer collaboration on force and operational planning.

President Trump has emphasized the need for allies to shoulder their fair share of defense responsibilities, highlighting South Korea's commitment to spending 3.5 percent of its GDP on defense as a model for others. The document, led by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, was released ahead of his reported trip to South Korea and Japan.