Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on the Biden administration’s new Indo-Pacific strategy:
“The Biden administration’s approach to the Indo-Pacific leaves a lot to be desired.
“On process, it’s a curious choice to release this document ahead of the delayed National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy, rather than simultaneously or after.
“On substance, this strategy largely — and correctly — builds on the Trump administration’s ‘U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific.’ Of note: the prominence of India in this strategy shows we must continue to strengthen engagement with our South Asian and Southeast Asian partners and allies. Unfortunately, the strategy takes a step backward by not reflecting the reality of the Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive objectives, capabilities and actions. I’ve always said that accurately assessing our adversary should be the first step.
“I remain very concerned that this administration’s actions will not match its rhetoric, just like the Obama administration’s actionless ‘pivot to Asia.’ So far, the Biden administration chose to cut the U.S. defense budget and failed to significantly invest in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which would help deter Chinese aggression. Matching resources to strategy means not only growing the defense topline, but also realigning key parts of the defense budget to the Indo-Pacific area. Hopefully, the upcoming National Defense Strategy and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget request reflects this approach.”