Biden seeks $7.4B to counter China, construct attack subs.
The Biden Administration’s Plan to Counter China’s Influence and Strengthen Naval Forces
The Biden administration is seeking billions of dollars in supplemental funding to address the growing influence of communist China worldwide and to bolster the United States’ naval forces.
Out of the massive $106 billion request, the administration is specifically requesting $4 billion to provide military training to regional partners in the Indo-Pacific region. This funding will also offer long-term financing options as an alternative to China’s predatory lending schemes.
Additionally, the administration aims to allocate $3.4 billion to enhance the nation’s submarine industrial base. This investment is crucial for securing a stronger military advantage over China’s navy, which currently holds the title of the world’s largest.
“It’s critically important that we maintain our focus on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and supporting key allies and partners as part of our efforts to maintain peace and stability,” emphasized White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
US Looks to Float More Attack Submarines
A pivotal aspect of the administration’s strategy is to expand the U.S. defense industrial capacity, enabling faster construction and continuous deployment of fast attack submarines.
The proposed funding will cover the costs of infrastructure improvements and new construction at the U.S. Navy’s four public shipyards. It will also support various workforce initiatives aimed at increasing production rates and submarine availability.
“This funding will accelerate build and sustainment rates for attack submarines, one of our most effective capabilities for maintaining deterrence, in order to meet U.S. military requirements,” stated a White House fact sheet obtained by The Epoch Times.
While the majority of the funds will be allocated through the Department of Defense, some will go to the National Nuclear Security Administration, indicating the involvement of nuclear-powered Virginia-class fast-attack submarines.
Australia has committed to purchasing three Virginia-class submarines from the United States as part of the 2021 AUKUS security partnership. The fact sheet also highlights Australia’s commitment to investing in the U.S. submarine industrial base to expedite the delivery of these submarines.
Under the trilateral agreement, the United States and the UK will assist Australia in developing its own nuclear-powered submarines over the next decade.
“The budget request makes notable strategic investments, including strengthening our submarine industrial base, a key component to making our AUKUS agreement a success, and improving our infrastructure and adding capacity to meet U.S. military requirements,” explained Mr. Sullivan.
Regional Military Training to Counter China in Indo-Pacific
The supplemental request also includes $2 billion for training foreign militaries in the Indo-Pacific region and $2 billion to provide lending alternatives to China’s “coercive and unsustainable” international lending schemes.
Mr. Sullivan stated that the funding for foreign military partners would be distributed to “multiple partners” through the State Department. However, he did not disclose the specific nations involved or the extent of their involvement in the request’s formulation process.
“The State Department’s foreign military financing included in the Indo-Pacific portion of the supplemental request aims to strengthen deterrence and enhance peace and stability across the entire Indo-Pacific region,” Mr. Sullivan added.
Furthermore, these funds will help regional partners transition away from reliance on Russian military equipment, potentially opening doors for them to procure from the American defense sector.
“Our allies and partners in the region need our support more than ever, and this request provides significant new resources to help them build the capabilities to meet emerging challenges,” concluded Mr. Sullivan.
What specific measures are being taken to enhance the alliance between the United States and PAA?
As part of its efforts to strengthen its own naval capabilities and enhance its alliance with the United States. This partnership will further contribute to the Biden administration’s goal of countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
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