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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brief the media at the Pentagon, Aug. 18, 2021. Photos Lisa Ferdinando, DOD

SecDef Messages: China Remains ‘Pacing Challenge’ not threat, Putin Should behave and the “War” at home

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brief the media at the Pentagon, Aug. 18, 2021. Photos Lisa Ferdinando, DOD

China Remains ‘Pacing Challenge’ for U.S., Pentagon Press Secretary Says

NOV. 16, 2021 | BY DAVID VERGUN, DOD NEWS

The secretary of defense believes that China is a pacing challenge for the Defense Department, the Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said during a news conference today.

Although China is developing capabilities that could potentially threaten the security and stability of neighboring nations in the region and globally, the department views that nation as a pacing challenge, not a pacing threat, he said.

The department’s response has been to strengthen regional and global alliances and partnerships.

“Competition does not necessarily have to mean conflict and we’re not chasing conflict. In fact, we’d like nothing more than to be able to deter any conflict or miscalculation,” Kirby said.

On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will visit Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, Kirby said.

“We affirm the U.S. resolve to advance and strengthen enduring defense partnerships and our commitment to longstanding U.S. leadership in strengthening regional security and stability,” he said.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken thank Qatar for help In Afghan evacuation, Doha, Qatar, Sept. 7, 2021. Photo By: Chad J. McNeeley, DOD

Regarding the secretary of defense’s authority to require COVID-19 vaccinations for the National Guard, Kirby said that Austin has the authority to do so.

“He needs, obviously, to set mission requirements for defending the nation and the vaccine mandate is within those authorities. It’s the right thing to do, for each individual member as well as their units and their families. It’s the right thing to do. A vaccinated force is a more ready force, ready to meet the demands that the nation puts on them,” he said.

Spotlight: Coronavirus: DOD response

Regarding the Russian troop buildup along the region of Ukraine, Kirby said he hopes that the Russians will be more transparent about their intentions.

Austin reflects on CENTCOM’s achievements during ‘tumultuous times’ Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, who commanded U.S. Central Command from March 22, 2013, to March 30, 2016, is retiring after 41 years of service.

Austin’s 41-year career in the Army included command at the corps, division, battalion, and brigade levels. Mr. Austin was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.  Seven years later, he would assume the duties of Commanding General of United States Forces – Iraq, overseeing all combat operations in the country. 

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