Mark Esper
Pentagon chief Mark Esper called Russia and China the main strategic rivals of the United States. RIA Novosti reports.
According to him, both states are modernizing their armed forces, as well as expanding their capabilities in space and cyberspace. “The United States and its partners must continue to defend our founding principles and our way of life. And we are determined to do it, ”Esper said.
In February, it was reported that Russia and China were identified as the main threats to the United States in the draft US budget for fiscal 2021. The White House proposed allocating $ 700 million to counter Russia. These funds will go to support US allies in Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia and to strengthen common security. An additional $ 24 million is planned to be spent on combating “Russian propaganda and disinformation.”