Ratcliffe Bristles at Biden Administration’s ‘Strategic Patience’ on China

'The intelligence doesn’t say we should have patience with respect to China, it says we should act with respect to China'

Then-Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe is seen on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, on Dec. 12, 2020. Al Drago/Getty Images

Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Monday took issue with a remark by the White House press secretary, who said that the Biden administration’s approach to China would start out as one of “strategic patience” as it runs a series of interagency consultations and talks with allies before determining America’s posture going forward, with the former spy chief urging determined action on Beijing’s abuses, not foot-dragging.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said at a Jan. 25 press briefing that while the Biden administration recognizes the threats China poses to American security, prosperity, and values, and plans to hold Beijing accountable for its range of economic and trade abuses, she also stressed that the administration would start off with a patient round of consultations with domestic agencies and foreign allies before launching into action.