Biden nominee says 'combat-credible' forces in US military needed to deter China

President Joe Biden’s nominee to be assistant secretary of defense in the Indo-Pacific told Senators that the United States military needs to maintain a "combat-credible" and "forward" posture to deter China from continued aggression in the region.

Ely Ratner wrote in answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee that a "combat-credible forward posture is necessary to the U.S. military’s ability to deter, and, if necessary, deny a fait accompli scenario," in which China tries to suddenly overwhelm Taiwan, according to Bloomberg.

"A combat-credible forward posture is essential to the U.S. military’s ability to deter and, if necessary, deny adversary aggression in a timely manner. It is a tangible expression of our commitment, willingness, and ability to defend our interests," wrote Ratner is his committee confirmation hearing Wednesday.

Ratner stated that in addition to a more aggressive posture, the military should implement modernized warfighting efforts.

"Moreover, a distributed and resilient forward posture must be combined with new warfighting concepts; modernized, highly capable, and ready forces; and capable allied and partner forces to deter any adversary miscalculation, or to respond if necessary," said Ratner.

Ratner added that the goal of modernizing the People’s Liberation Army by China was to turn the army into a "'world-class’ military by the end of 2049, which many have interpreted to mean that they want a military that is equal or superior to that of the United States."

The PLA’s “well-resourced, and rapidly developing both in terms of direct military pressure on Taiwan and through other PLA capabilities aimed at deterring, delaying or denying third-party intervention in a crisis,” Ratner said. If confirmed he added that he will “carefully review the current military balance across the Taiwan Strait to ensure that our defense cooperation with Taiwan is commensurate with the threat posed” by China.

Ratner’s stance on China comes as the two countries continue to clash. According to Bloomberg, China’s Air Force sent 28 aircraft close to Taiwan on June 15, putting pressure on the US to strengthen its ties with Taipei.

In addition to military competition, Ratner addressed the technological competition posed by China and the risks associated with it.

"Technology is at the center of U.S.-China competition. PRC leaders are focused on seizing the advantage in critical and emerging technologies with military application, including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced robotics, quantum technologies, biotechnology, hypersonics, directed energy, and advanced computing," said Ratner.

"The PRC’s overseas investments, ability to use economic ties to exert political influence, pursuit of expertise from advanced foreign militaries, and promotion of national champions in strategic sectors, such as 5G, pose strategic risks for the United States and ally/partner interoperability, data security, information sharing, military mobility, and military readiness," he added.

At the G7 summit over the weekend, President Biden expressed concerns over Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, to which China responded by calling the US "very ill," according to Bloomberg.

Ratner, until last week, led a task force at the pentagon centered around changing the US’s military to better compete with China. He also served as a deputy national security advisor to Vice President Biden from 2015 to 2017. In addition, Ratner held positions in the State Department, the Center for a New American Security, and the Senate.