Carter: Plan Needed To Counter Russia, China

The armed forces must adapt to the growing strategic challenges posed by Russia and China, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told an audience Nov. 7 at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, Calif. Calling for innovations in strategy and operational planning, Carter called for a focus on the preservation of peace but a willingness to meet force with force. “We must ensure that we and our partners are postured to defeat threats from high-end opponents in a complex set of environments,” Carter told his audience. “We do not seek Russia as an enemy. But make no mistake. The United States will defend our interests,” he said.