An Analysis of U.S. and Chinese National Security Strategy Documents

This study analyzes the 2025-2026 U.S. and Chinese top-level strategic documents-NSS 2025 and NDS 2026 of the United States, and China's 2025 National Security White Paper and Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation White Paper-to examine shifts in strategic priorities and mutual perceptions. It employs qualitative comparative textual analysis and limited diachronic comparison, focusing on concept placement, threat hierarchy, alliance, deterrence, and arms control language, as well as regional priorities. The findings indicate that the United States strengthens a homeland and Western Hemisphere-centered, interest-based economic and technological framework while maintaining deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific and redefining alliances around roles and burden-sharing. China, by contrast, expands the scope of security under its comprehensive national security concept, frames alliance systems and extended deterrence as sources of regional tension, and reinforces a common security narrative. While North Korea and denuclearization remain stated objectives for both, their centrality declines. These shifts suggest implications for South Korea's alliance modernization and strategic repositioning.