Covers the period between December 4 - 10, 2023
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U.S. Government Updates
U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD)
Japan hosted the U.S. for an EDD on Dec 5-7, 2023, where both sides shared assessments of the regional security environment, discussed strategic arms control, and risk reduction approaches amidst regional actors’ advancing nuclear arsenals. They also conducted a tabletop exercise, and delegations visited JGSDF’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade in Camp Ainoura and Sakibe.1
Senator Peppers U.S. State Department nominee Kurt Campbell with questions about China
U.S. President Joe Biden’s top official on Asia policy, Kurt Campbell, came under scrutiny on Thursday by the senior Republican on the committee considering his nomination to the State Department’s No. 2 position for agreeing to direct military talks with China. As part of his opening remarks in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s examination of Kurt Campbell, James Risch of Idaho cited a recent incident in the South China Sea as an example of why direct military-to-military talks with Beijing are counterproductive.2
U.S. export controls need to ‘change constantly’ even if it’s tough for businesses, Secretary Raimondo says
More controls on tech exports to China will be coming as needed, despite business concerns, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told CNBC in an exclusive interview. The U.S. has said it’s focused on restricting China’s military, but the controls also come as both countries seek to develop their artificial intelligence capabilities in the wake of OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT.3
China’s cyber army is invading critical U.S. services
The Chinese military is intensifying its ability to disrupt key American infrastructure, including power and water utilities, as well as communications and transportation systems, according to U.S. officials and industry security officials. Hackers affiliated with China’s People’s Liberation Army have infiltrated the computer systems of about two dozen critical entities over the past year, these experts said.4
Department of Defense Updates
U.S. Army receives first long-range precision strike missiles; faces hurdles next year for Guam’s missile defense
The U.S. Army has received the first Precision Strike Missiles, which will begin replacing the legacy Army Tactical Missile System, according to a Dec. 8 service announcement. The missile, capable of launching from both the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System, will be crucial to the service as it seeks a deep-strike capability to counter Russian and Chinese technologies.5
Meanwhile, the Missile Defense Agency and the Army are seeking a combined $1.5 billion in the fiscal 2024 budget to begin preparing Guam’s missile defense by moving assets into place and integrating capabilities. But experts warn the Army and MDA face a range of challenges, from relying on technology in prototype form to finding the right areas for equipment to integrating all systems.6
The Marine Corps is looking at small drone boats for spying on vessels
The Marine Corps is conducting market research into small drone boats as part of an initiative to enhance the service’s reconnaissance capabilities and prepare for conflict near shorelines. The Corps aims for these vessels to have sensors capable of detecting and recognizing other objects on the water, according to the request for information.7
U.S. to deploy anti-ship Tomahawk missiles on subs in 2024 to deter China
The United States Navy plans to arm submarines in 2024 with ship-targeting versions of the widely used Tomahawk missile, as part of Washington’s effort to enhance military capabilities against Chinese maritime forces, particularly around Taiwan. The Maritime Strike version of the Tomahawk, traditionally used as a ground-attack weapon, will be fielded after Oct 1, according to program manager Captain Jon Hersey.8
U.S. urging Pacific allies to step up surveillance at sea
As China expands its operations across the Pacific, the U.S. is encouraging countries in the region to enhance their maritime awareness using new technology like unmanned systems, said the Pentagon’s assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs on Tuesday. The U.S. is pursuing this capability with other countries in the region on a bilateral basis, but also through the Quad, the informal alliance between the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan.9
U.S. DoD and Singapore enter into security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA)
Under the arrangement, the U.S. and Singapore agree to exchange reciprocal priority support for goods and services that promote national defense. It also establishes a streamlined mechanism for the DoD and Singapore’s MINDEF to request expedited industrial resources to resolve unanticipated supply chain disruptions affecting national security requirements.10
Newly Released Reports
Assessing Chinese Influence in the Pacific Islands States: A Media Analysis Asia Society Policy Institute
Community Watch: China’s Vision for the Future of the Internet Atlantic Council
No Winners in This Game: Assessing the U.S. Playbook for Sanctioning China Center for a New American Security
China’s Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrent: Organizational, Operational, and Strategic Implications China Maritime Studies Institute
Bureau of Industry & Security: 90-Day Review Report House Foreign Affairs Committee
The Chinese Communist Party’s Theory of Hybrid Warfare Institute for the Study of War
China Security Report 2024 Japan Ministry of Defense