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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has launched “several major department-wide efforts” to respond to security threats posed by China.
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The US Department of Defense (DOD) has initiated countermeasures in response to final recommendations from the China Task Force, set up in February to investigate emerging security challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), described as the United States’ “number one pacing challenge”.
Secretary Austin confirmed that “several major department-wide efforts” have been launched.
Many of the initiatives are to remain classified, however Secretary Austin said they would focus on processes and procedures that could enable department leaders to “contribute to whole-of-government efforts”.
According to the Defense Secretary, the countermeasures were developed following consultation and co-ordination with the US DOD’s interagency partners, and are expected to complement existing activities and policies executed by departments, agencies and the White House.
Some of the measures aim to “streamline and strengthen” co-operation with US allies and partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
“The initiatives I am putting forward today are nested inside the larger US government approach to China and will help inform the development of the National Defense Strategy we are working on,” Secretary Austin said.
“I am enormously proud of the work put forth by members of the China Task Force. I asked a lot of them, and they delivered. Now it is time for us to move forward.
“The efforts I am directing [will] improve the department’s ability to revitalise our network of allies and partners, bolster deterrence, and accelerate the development of new operational concepts, emerging capabilities, future force posture, and a modernised civilian and military workforce.”
Secretary Austin has committed to directly overseeing the US DOD’s China-related policies, operations and intelligence.
The task force’s recommendations are to be incorporated into ongoing reviews and department-wide processes.
US President Joe Biden formed the China Task Force in February, commissioning the DOD to assess Pentagon programs and processes put in place to respond to the challenges posed by Beijing.
Specifically, the task force, described by DOD officials as a "sprint effort", was charged with evaluating:
- strategy;
- operational concepts;
- technology and force structure;
- force posture and force management; and
- intelligence.
The task force was also responsible for examining alliances and partnerships, and their impact on Sino-American relations and DOD relations with China.
The 15-member team, led by Ely Ratner, a special assistant to Secretary Austin, included representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the services, the combatant commands, and the intelligence community.
In April, task force leaders delivered their initial assessment to Secretary Austin and to DoD civilian and military leadership.
The China Task Force has now been dissolved, with Secretary Austin’s new directives to be executed by regular departmental structures and organisational elements, supported by new processes “where necessary”.
[Related: Biden forms new China Task Force]
