According to the National Defense Strategy, which country is identified as the pacing challenge?

The National Defense Strategy identifies China as the pacing challenge due to its rapid military modernization, expansive economic growth, and increasing influence in global affairs. This designation highlights China's strategic competition with the United States, where it seeks to alter the existing international order to favor its interests. The focus on China as the pacing challenge reflects the view that it poses a multifaceted threat that requires concerted attention and resources from American defense policies. The strategy emphasizes the need to maintain a competitive edge in various domains, including military capabilities, technological advancements, and influence in international alliances. This context underlines the imperative for the U.S. to adapt its approach to counter China's rise effectively while promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.