Washington/Canberra/Beijing – Australia has indicated that it may join the Naval Task Force being formed by the United States to counter the military ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific sector. It is revealed that senior defence official in Biden administration, Ely Ratner gave this information during the US Congressional hearing. As per the claims, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has taken a positive stand in the matter.
A few months ago, US President Joe Biden had ordered the defence department to prepare a report regarding China. This report was prepared under the leadership of Ely Ratner, who was recommended for the post of Assistant Secretary in the defence department. Following submission of this report to the defence department, US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, issued instructions to the defence forces for countering the Chinese threat. As per the instructions, moves have started to form a permanent ‘Naval Task Force’. Moreover, a ‘Named Military Operation’ for the Indo-Pacific region has been created.
