"As a new American administration prepares to take office, we do well to remember as Americans that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance," Pence told sailors from Naval Air Station Lemoore Saturday. "And a free and open Indo-Pacific is essential to our prosperity, our security and the vitality of freedom in the world."
Pence’s comments come just days after the Trump administration declassified the U.S. strategy for tackling the growing threat between China and nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The strategy seeks to bolster militaries in India, Japan, South Korea and Australia to help the U.S. counter China’s increasing dominance, reported Air Force Magazine earlier this week.
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In addition to the documents released, National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien claimed that China is "increasingly pressuring Indo-Pacific nations to subordinate their freedom and sovereignty to a 'common destiny' envisioned by the Chinese Communist Party."
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O’Brien stated that the goal in pushing back against China is aimed at helping allied nations in the region, "who share the values and aspirations of a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Pence alleged Saturday that China is "determined" to spread its dominance in the region through "military provisions and dead diplomacy."
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U.S.-China relations have deteriorated vastly under the Trump administration over the last year, with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, China’s efforts to curtail Hong Kong's autonomy and the U.S.-China Trade War.
Friday marked the anniversary of the historic Trade Deal that the U.S. and China signed Jan. 15, 2020. It sought to lower U.S. tariffs in exchange for China’s promise to buy at least $200 billion of U.S. goods.
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Biden has vowed to restore U.S. relations with the international community that he believes were hindered under Trump’s "America first" approach.
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He plans to return to the Paris Climate Agreement, reverse Iranian sanctions, strengthen U.S.-NATO ties, and reverse the decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization.
However, Biden’s strategy to handle China likely will not differ that much from Trump’s.
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Biden is expected to focus on tackling the coronavirus in the U.S., strengthening the economy and advancing U.S. climate initiatives, while reversing international policies he can more easily espouse.
While it is still unclear whether the Department of Defense will see decreases in military spending under the new administration, it is unlikely they see continual increases routinely exercised under Trump.
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"I urge the incoming administration to stay the course and do what we’ve done, stand up to Chinese aggression and trade abuses," Pence said concluding one of his last speeches as vice president. "Stand strong for a free and open Indo-Pacific and put America and our freedom-loving allies first."
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