Washington — President Joe Biden has taken a proactive step in preparing for the challenges that lie ahead by approving a new national security memorandum. This memorandum serves as a roadmap for the incoming administration as it looks to counter the growing cooperation among China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The White House announced this decision on Wednesday, just days before Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The guidance for this memorandum was developed by the Biden administration officials over the summer. It was carefully crafted to serve as a foundation for the next administration’s approach towards dealing with the tightening relationships among America’s most prominent adversaries and competitors. According to two senior administration officials, this document will help the incoming administration build its strategy from Day 1.
The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under the ground rules set by the White House, stated that the classified memorandum will not be made public due to the sensitivity of its findings. However, they did reveal that the document includes four broad recommendations. These recommendations focus on improving U.S. government interagency cooperation, speeding up the sharing of information with allies about the four adversaries, calibrating the use of sanctions and other economic tools for maximum effectiveness, and bolstering preparation to manage simultaneous crises involving these adversaries.
The U.S. has been concerned about the growing cooperation among China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia for many years. This coordination has accelerated in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The officials noted that as Russia has become more isolated by much of the world, Moscow has turned to Iran for drones and missiles. In return, Russia has sent fighter jets to Iran and assisted Tehran in bolstering its missile defense and space technology.
From North Korea, the Russians have received artillery, missiles, and even thousands of troops to help repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. The officials added that Russia has also “de facto accepted North Korea as a nuclear weapon state.” This cooperation has allowed North Korea to receive much-needed fuel and funding to enhance its manufacturing and military capabilities.
China, on the other hand, has been benefiting from Russian know-how. The two countries have been working together to deepen their military technical cooperation, and they have also been conducting joint patrols in the Arctic region. This growing partnership between China and Russia has raised concerns for the U.S. and its allies.
Despite their sharply different worldviews, officials from both the incoming and outgoing administrations have sought to coordinate on national security issues during the transition. This shows a united effort to ensure the safety and security of the nation. One of the officials stated that the Biden White House memo “isn’t trying to box (the Trump administration) in or tilt them towards one policy option or another.” This document is intended to help the next administration build “capacity” as it shapes its policies on some of the most challenging foreign policies it will face.
The Biden administration’s proactive approach towards national security is commendable. By approving this memorandum, President Biden has shown his commitment to protecting the nation’s interests and countering the growing cooperation among its adversaries. This document will serve as a valuable resource for the incoming administration as it navigates through the complex relationships between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
The Biden administration’s focus on improving interagency cooperation and sharing information with allies is crucial in countering the threats posed by these four countries. By calibrating the use of sanctions and other economic tools, the U.S. can effectively pressure these adversaries and protect its interests. Additionally, the preparation to manage simultaneous crises involving these adversaries is a necessary step in ensuring the nation’s security.
The sensitivity of the findings in this memorandum highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for a coordinated and strategic approach. The Biden administration’s efforts to work with the outgoing administration during the transition period show a united front in addressing national security concerns. This is a positive sign for the nation’s future and its ability to tackle complex foreign policies.
In conclusion, President Biden’s approval of the new national security memorandum is a significant step towards safeguarding the nation’s interests. This document will serve as a roadmap for the incoming administration as it navigates through the challenges posed by the growing cooperation among China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. By working together and taking a proactive approach, the U.S. can effectively counter these threats and protect its national security.
