President Joe Biden has approved a new national security document ahead of Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. The document could serve as a guide for the incoming administration’s efforts to counter the growing cooperation between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The White House announced this development on Wednesday.
Biden administration officials began working on the guidelines earlier this summer. According to two senior officials, the document was crafted as a blueprint to assist the incoming administration in shaping its approach from day one on how to address difficult relationships with America’s major adversaries and competitors.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the classified document will not be made public due to the sensitivity of some of its findings.
The document outlines four broad recommendations, including: improving interagency cooperation within the U.S. government, accelerating information-sharing with allies regarding the four adversarial nations, calibrating the use of sanctions and other economic measures by the U.S. government for maximum effectiveness, and strengthening preparedness to manage simultaneous crises related to these adversaries.
For years, the United States has been concerned about the growing cooperation between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Their coordination has accelerated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
U.S. officials pointed out that, while Russia has been largely isolated by the global community, Moscow has turned to Iran for drones and missiles. From North Korea, Russia has received artillery, rockets, and even thousands of troops who have joined Russian forces in their efforts to push back Ukrainian forces from the Kherson region.
Meanwhile, China has supported Russia with dual-use components that have helped Moscow maintain its military industry.
In return, Russia has sent fighter jets to Iran and has helped Tehran strengthen its missile defense systems and space technology.
North Korea has received fuel and much-needed funds from Russia to support the development of its military and manufacturing capabilities.
American officials further noted that Russia has “de facto recognized North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.”
At the same time, China is benefiting from Russian expertise, with both Moscow and Beijing working together to deepen their military and technical cooperation. Joint patrols are also being conducted in the Arctic region.
Despite differing worldviews, both President Biden and President-elect Trump have sought to coordinate national security matters during the transition. One official stated that with this document, the White House “is not trying to make things difficult for the incoming Trump administration or push it toward a particular option.”
The official clarified that the document’s purpose is to help the next administration build “capacity” as it shapes its approach to some of the most challenging foreign policy issues it will face. /VOA
