“This directive from the Secretary is ultimately about getting the Department’s house in order and ensuring that the department lives up to the stated prioritization of China as the number one pacing challenge,” explained a senior Defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement.
Austin’s directive comes as the administration and lawmakers in both parties ramp up initiatives to counter China’s international ambitions, from economic and trade policy to security concerns. The Senate on Tuesday passed a sweeping tech and manufacturing bill aimed at curtailing China’s increasing technological influence.
