Department of Defense Spokesman Oscar Seára provided the following readout:
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities Dr. Mara Karlin met with counterparts in London, Rome, and Bucharest from November 15-18, 2022 to discuss the recently released National Defense Strategy (NDS) and identify areas for deeper cooperation on shared strategic priorities.
Dr. Karlin briefed the strategy's prioritization of the People's Republic of China as the pacing challenge and only country with the intent, and increasingly the capability, to reshape the international order while emphasizing the acute threat posed by Russia.
Throughout the discussions, Dr. Karlin and her counterparts underscored the importance of continued collective efforts to support the Ukrainian military in response to Russia's reckless war of choice against Ukraine.
The leaders also discussed the key role of Allies and partners as the center of gravity for the NDS and opportunities to advance NATO priorities, including through force posture in Europe.