US moves to boost military presence in Indo-Pacific amid China ‘threat’

Outgoing commander has sought more funds and warned that the US is losing its military edge over China in the region

But observers say it may be a challenge for America to sustain its push and some Southeast Asian nations fear getting caught in the middle

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The Pentagon has described the Indo-Pacific Command as “the single most consequential region for America’s future”. Photo: US Navy

Published: 12:30pm, 13 Mar 2021Updated: 12:30pm, 13 Mar 2021

The United States is moving to boost its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, as President Joe Biden’s administration shapes plans to contain China’s influence in the region.

But observers say it could be a challenge for the US to keep up its push for a military role in the Indo-Pacific and that some Southeast Asian nations fear getting caught in the rivalry.

While the Pentagon is still assessing its China policy via a new 15-member task force, US military officials have hardened their stance in recent weeks, with calls for resources to be shifted to the Pacific to maintain a “competitive edge” over China, and defence chief Lloyd Austin naming the country as a “pacing threat”.

Admiral Philip Davidson, head of the Indo-Pacific Command, submitted a proposal to Congress in early March for US$27.3 billion in additional spending for new military construction and to boost cooperation with allies to maintain an edge over China, including US$4.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has named China as a “pacing threat”. Photo: Reuters

On Thursday, Major General Richard Coffman, director of the US Army’s Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, said modern armoured vehicles would be needed should a land war with China erupt in the Pacific.