Joe Biden announces Pentagon task force to tackle China

Washington DC, February 11: After a stern call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US president Joe Biden has announced that the Department of Defense has established a new Pentagon task force that will review the country's China strategy. He made this announcement during his visit to the Pentagon.

 

The President said, "Today I was briefed on a new dod-wide (Department of Defense) China task force that secretary Austin is standing up to look at our strategy and operational concepts, technology and force posturing and so much more."

 

He added that "the task force will work quickly drawing on civilian and military experts across the department to provide within the next few months the recommendations to Senator (secretary, ed) Austin on key priorities and decision points so that we can chart a strong path forward on China-related matters."

 

Biden said that the task force on China will "look at our strategy and operational concepts, technology, and force posture, and so much more". He said the new task force was given four months to come up with assessments and recommendations on US military strategy toward China; technology, force structure and force posture; and alliances and bilateral defense relations with Beijing.

 

"It will require a whole-of-government effort, bipartisan cooperation in Congress, and strong alliances and partnerships," he added.

 

The Biden administration is set to continue the tough approach on China on issues related to trade, regional security, and human rights. During the phone call with Xi on Wednesday, Biden was also forthright on human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang and on Beijing's trade practices, according to an account of their conversation from the White House.