Pentagon Sees ‘Chinese Threat’ In US Default

While testifying at a Senate Defense Appropriation hearing, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior Pentagon officials warned of the "Chinese threat" in the event of a US default.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior Pentagon officials have urged lawmakers to extend the federal borrowing limit, insisting a default on the national debt would be devastating for America’s reputation and “embolden” China.

Testifying at a Senate Defense Appropriation hearing on Thursday, both Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley spoke in support of the White House’s 2024 budget request, warning that a default would deal a major blow to national security. 

“China right now describes us in their open speeches, etc., as a declining power,” Milley said. “Defaulting on the debt would only reinforce that thought and embolden China and increase risk to the United States.”

Arguing that the Pentagon’s $842-billion budget request for ne...

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