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A new DOD taskforce has been set up to reassess the United States’ strategic policy approach to the “pacing threat” posed by China.
US President Joe Biden has formed a new ‘China Task Force’, commissioning the Department of Defense (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", has been charged with evaluating:
- strategy;
- operational concepts;
- technology and force structure;
- force posture and force management; and
- intelligence.
The task force will also be 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 of Defense Lloyd Austin, will include representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the services, the combatant commands, and the intelligence community.
The task force is also expected to engage with interagency partners to ensure recommendations align with the Biden administration’s broader China policy.
The team has been given four months to submit recommendations to senior defense officials.
“China is seeking to overturn the current rules-based structure, which has benefited all nations in the Indo-Pacific region,” a DOD spokesperson said.
“The United States and its allies seek to continue the free and open environment in the region.
"China is using all elements of national power to bend the nations to its will.”
[Related: Pentagon’s deputy secretary confirmed]
