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During his first visit to the Pentagon since taking office, Biden also hinted at a change of direction from his predecessor, Donald Trump, and promised the US defense forces that the country’s security affairs would be separated from domestic politics.
“I will never bring you disgrace, I will never fail to honor you,” said the President, standing next to him, Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
“I will never politicize his work,” he added.
After meeting with Pentagon military and civilian leaders, Biden issued brief comments emphasizing that China is a major threat to the United States.
He announced the establishment of a special task force on China at the Defense Department and called for an immediate review of military strategy in response to the challenge from Beijing.
This step is necessary “for us to pave a solid path to China, and it will require the efforts of the entire government,” he added.
“We must face China’s growing challenges of keeping the peace and defending our interests in the India-Pacific region and around the world,” he added.
“Diplomacy first”
The new working group will have four months to prepare assessments and recommendations on the US military strategy toward China, the structure and operation of its forces, and bilateral defense alliances and relations with Beijing.
Biden said that the review of the Pentagon’s work should be supported by both the main parties and Congress; This process must also involve allies and other partners.
“This is how we will respond to the challenge from China and ensure that the American people win the competition in the future,” the president added.
Biden, whose late son Beau served in Iraq with Ll. Austin also promised to keep the military strong.
However, both he and L. Austin emphasized that the new administration is guided by the principle of “diplomacy first.” Trump had rejected the previous policy and replaced it with a harder line and a more aggressive strategy towards allies and opponents with the slogan “America first.”
“Very often, the personnel of our armed forces and the Department of Defense [lemia]”How the rest of the world views America,” Biden said.
“But our country is safer and stronger when we lead not only our example of power, but when our example becomes power,” he emphasized.
Biden said he “never hesitated” to send US forces to protect America’s vital interests, but added that he believed “force should be the last resort, not the first.”
All kinds of diversity
During his time at the Pentagon, Biden also visited an exhibit highlighting the often little-known contribution of African Americans to the US military.
Both the leader of the Pentagon Ll. Austin and Vice President K. Harris are the first African Americans to hold these positions.
The president drew attention to 22 black members of the military who were awarded the highest military award in the United States, the Medal of Honor, as well as the first to be promoted to the rank of general.
“It’s all part of a long history of service that breaks down barriers,” he said. – Currently, more than 40 percent. our active duty service members are dark skinned. “
Biden said minorities, who are underrepresented in the Pentagon body, should have more opportunities.
“It is high time that all the diversity and all the strength of our forces were reflected at all levels of this department, including our Secretary of Defense,” said the president.
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