Biden’s pick for Defense Secretary affirms that Communist China poses a threat to the country.
During the Senate confirmation hearing, Senator Josh Hawley pressed Retired General Lloyd Austin on if he’d recognize China as the country’s principal threat. He characterized China as a “pacing threat” and said he would update the National Defense Strategy to reflect that if he’s confirmed.
In 2018, the Trump administration published the National Defense Strategy. It stresses the need to prepare for a high-end conflict with China and Russia.