Biden Proposes More Investment in Indo-Pacific to Counter China Threat

The Biden administration is concerned about China’s growing global influence and has suggested investing in it “new ways to out-compete China” Strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region

Joe Biden presented his third budget plan on March 9. It included promises to increase spending and raise taxes as well as reduce the federal deficit. Biden presented his strategy for dealing global challenges, including China, as part of his budget blueprint.

“China is the United States’ only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it,” According to a White House fact sheet.

The president warned against this warning in his budget proposal “unprecedented and extraordinary times” For China’s danger, I asked for mandatory and discretionary resources.

The fact sheet states that the mandatory proposal would increase the U.S.’s role in the Indo-Pacific, and help the U.S. to grow its economy through investments of $2 billion. “hard” International infrastructure critical; $2 billion to scale up the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC equity program); and another $2 billion for resilient supply chains in this region.

In addition, the budget proposal includes $7.1 billion for Palau, Micronesia and Marshall Islands over the next 20-years. These funds are part of the $63.1 million proposal for the State Department, the United States Agency for International Development.

The budget is also asking to boost funding for the U.S. military’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

“To sustain and strengthen deterrence, the Budget prioritizes The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) as America’s pacing challenge in line with the National Defense Strategy,” The budget proposal was stated.

“[The Pentagon’s] 2024 Pacific Deterrence Initiative highlights $9.1 billion of key investments the Department is making, focuses on strengthening deterrence in the region, and demonstrates the Department’s long-term commitment to the Indo- Pacific.”

These funds will also be used for strengthening the capabilities and capacity of U.S. allies within the region.

The budget proposal estimates that Defense Department spending will rise to $842 billion in fiscal 20,24. This is a 3.2 percent increase on the previous year. The budget includes $37.7B for modernization of nuclear arsenal.

“This budget cements our commitment to confronting global challenges and keeping America safe,” Biden sent a message to Congress in support of the budget proposal. “It outlines crucial investments to out-compete China globally and to continue support for Ukraine in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression.”

Both parties are expected to support the plan, which includes a substantial pay increase for all troops starting in January 2024. Biden’s proposal states that military pay will increase by 5.2 per cent next year.