2023 marked a pivotal year for US military’s fight against China
2023: A Transformative Year for the U.S. Military in the Pacific
Despite ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, 2023 proved to be a game-changing year for the U.S. military’s presence in the Pacific, according to a senior Pentagon official.
The Pentagon’s primary focus is on China, recognizing it as the only country capable of reshaping the international order in its favor. However, the United States continues to support Ukraine and Israel in separate conflicts around the world.
A Year of Victories
“2023 has been the most transformative year in a generation for U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific,” said Ely Ratner, assistant defense secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s travels across the Pacific over the past year have been marked by a series of victories. The department introduced new force posture initiatives in Northern Australia and Japan, including the establishment of a Marine Littoral Regiment in Okinawa. Additionally, Manila agreed to four more enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines.
“Within a 50-day period, the secretary met face-to-face with all five of our treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific region: Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and South Korea,” Ratner highlighted. “These engagements are remarkable considering the global events taking place.”
Austin also visited New Delhi, signing a new defense industrial base cooperation road map. He made history as the first defense secretary to travel to Papua New Guinea, where he signed a new Defense Cooperation Agreement.
“These developments are profoundly significant in terms of the collaboration between allies and partners in the region,” Ratner emphasized. “We have witnessed increased cooperation between the Philippines and Australia, as well as with Japan, and a growing interest in multilateral cooperation.”
Restarting Communications with China
Following former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan in August 2022, the Chinese military cut off communications with its U.S. counterparts. However, President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to restart communications during their October meeting in San Francisco.
“We are currently discussing with the PRC Defense Department what the future holds in terms of meetings, calls, dialogues, and engagements over the next 12 months,” Ratner revealed.
In October, Ratner expressed concern over China’s increased number of unsafe maneuvers near U.S. aircraft and naval vessels in the Pacific. While he did not confirm whether these incidents had decreased since the Biden-Xi meeting, he acknowledged the significant rise in such events over the past few years.
Overall, 2023 has been a pivotal year for the U.S. military in the Pacific, with a renewed focus on China and efforts to strengthen alliances and partnerships in the region.
What progress has the U.S. military made in strengthening partnerships and alliances in the Pacific region?
In addition, the U.S. military has made significant progress in strengthening partnerships and alliances in the region. Ratner highlighted the signing of a new defense cooperation agreement with the Philippines, as well as enhanced defense ties with Singapore and Indonesia.
Ratner also emphasized the importance of multilateralism in the region. The United States has actively participated in multilateral military exercises, including RIMPAC and Cobra Gold, to enhance interoperability and strengthen regional security. These exercises serve as opportunities for U.S. forces to train alongside partner nations, building trust and cooperation.
A Comprehensive Approach
The U.S. military’s transformative year in the Pacific is not solely focused on traditional military capabilities. The Pentagon is also prioritizing investment in advanced technologies and capabilities, such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and space-based systems.
This comprehensive approach allows the United States to maintain a competitive edge in the region. Ratner highlighted the importance of integrating emerging technologies into the military’s operations, stating that “we must harness new technologies to provide our forces with a decisive advantage.”
Furthermore, the U.S. military is actively engaging with regional partners to build capacity and share expertise. The Department of Defense has launched several programs and initiatives to assist partner nations in strengthening their own defense capabilities. This includes providing training, equipment, and advisory support to enhance the abilities of partner militaries in the region.
Countering China’s Influence
While the United States remains committed to its partners in the Pacific, there is no doubt that countering China’s influence is a top priority. Ratner emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach, working alongside allies and partners to address China’s growing influence and assertiveness.
The United States has continuously called for a free and open Indo-Pacific, promoting respect for international law and norms. This includes freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as unimpeded lawful commerce. The U.S. military’s presence and engagement in the region serve as a deterrent to any attempts by China to escalate tensions or undermine regional stability.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2024, the United States is poised to continue its transformative efforts in the Pacific. Ratner emphasized the importance of sustained investment and commitment to the region, stating that “our actions in 2023 are just the beginning.”
The U.S. military’s focus on the Pacific is not merely a response to current challenges, but a long-term strategic priority. It is clear that the United States recognizes the significance of the region in shaping the international order and is actively working to maintain its influence and protect its interests.
Overall, 2023 proved to be a game-changing year for the U.S. military in the Pacific. With an emphasis on strengthening partnerships, integrating advanced technologies, and countering China’s influence, the United States is poised to maintain its position as a key player in the region.
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