(VOVworld)- The US is strengthening the network of defense alliances across the globe to retain its status as the world power. US Defense Secretary Leona Panetta answered reporters’ questions at a press conference at the Pentagon on Thursday on how the US maintains its power in the context of declining resources. Panetta said this year's US Defense strategy focused on developing and further deepening relations and setting up alliances and partnership with other countries to promote global security. According to Panetta, the network of defense alliance and security partners are the US’s most valuable national security assets which helps protect the US’s benefits and share the burdens with other countries.