INTERVIEW: U.S. Can Balance Western Hemisphere, Indo-Pacific Policies

Washington, Jan. 14 (Jiji Press)–The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will be able to balance its security policy centered around the Western Hemisphere and its efforts in the Indo-Pacific region to deter China, a former U.S. government official said in a recent online interview with Jiji Press. Randall Schriver, who served as assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs during Trump’s first term, said, “The elevation of the Western Hemisphere is really to complement the priority of homeland security, which is always the number one priority in national security strategy and national defense strategy.” “This administration looks at homeland security in broad terms,” including immigration, counter-narcotics, border security and other matters, he added. At the same time, Schriver noted that “the operations in the Western Hemisphere will be lower intensity and require less in terms of exquisite military systems.” As the Department of Defense is “still preparing for deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” he said the United States “can have a more robust presence in the western Pacific and the Western Hemisphere as well.” Meanwhile, Schriver said he shares concerns that Trump may prioritize a trade deal over deterrence in U.S.-China relations. “Our president is known to be transactional,” Schriver said, adding, however: “I’ve seen it up close that he is not interested in a deal that is out of balance and would involve sacrifice. … So I’m not completely pessimistic, but I do think it’s something we keep our eyes on.” Regarding Thursday’s meeting between Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Schriver said, “I think we’re at a stage now where we’ve agreed to a number of pretty significant steps in terms of command structure, in terms of revising concepts of operation and doctrine.” “We really need to make sure the implementation is smooth,” he said, adding that both sides need to understand the division of roles when Japan develops operation concepts related to its counterstrike capabilities. On a possible general election in Japan, Schriver said that such an event would be “a bit of a diversion.” He added that the important thing is for Japan to pass a fiscal 2026 budget bill by April 1 for defense investments. “Positive” election results for the ruling camp would “make things easier,” Schriver said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]