Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee Kathleen Hicks reacts to the start of her Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Feb. 2, 2021. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

By Gary Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

WASHINGTON  –   PENTAGON  – Echoing President Biden’s declaration that “diplomacy is back”, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks said statecraft is essential in dealing with China and that conflict with Beijing is not inevitable. Acknowledging the challenge posed by China sets the pace for most U.S. defense requirements, Hicks said, despite concerns, diplomacy is important. In a  recent virtual address to the Aspen Security Forum, Hicks talked about the Defense Department’s competition with China and what the department is doing to meet that challenge, especially regarding innovation and modernization. 

“Beijing has the economic, military and technological capability to challenge the international system and America’s interests within it. This is happening all along the continuum of conflict — from routine statecraft, through the use of sharp power or gray-zone tactics, to the potential for sustained combat operations and an expanded and capable nuclear enterprise,” 

-Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks said

As an example, Beijing continues to leverage its maritime militia to press its unlawful claims in the South China Sea, Hicks said. Despite these growing concerns, Hicks said open channels of communications and diplomacy with China are important.

“We anticipate the U.S. military will often serve as a supporting player to diplomatic, economic and other tools,” she said. Central to DOD’s value in deterring bad behavior from Beijing is demonstrating the role and capability to credibly deter China’s aggression, she said. “This will best position us to avoid a conflict.”  Hicks said allies and partners are important in deterring Chinese aggression.

The U.S. Senate  voted in February to confirm Hicks to become America’s first female deputy defense secretary who is now the second in command of  the behemoth Pentagon.  Gen. Lloyd Austin serves as the U.S. Secretary of Defense.  Hicks is the 35th Deputy Secretary of Defense. The Deputy Secretary of Defense is charged with executing the defense secretary’s priorities and leading the Defense Department’s day-to-day business, including managing the defense budget.  Upon being confirmed, Hicks said she will work with Defense Secretary Austin  to “operationalize” the strategy to  the “pacing challenge” posed by China and the increased threat from a resurgent Russia.