U.S. Military Urged to Act Urgently on Biodefense Threats
The U.S. military is facing a critical moment in its biodefense efforts, according to a new review released by the Defense Department on Thursday. The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the growing bioweapons threat and potential catastrophic events, including pandemics.
The review specifically highlights China as a long-term threat, casting doubt on Beijing’s compliance with international rules on biowarfare. It also raises concerns about China’s accelerated plans to integrate civilian biological research programs into its military. The report further assesses that China, along with Russia, North Korea, and Iran, has the ability to create deadly toxins and pathogens.
This assessment marks a departure from previous evaluations, which typically focused on the dual-use potential of biological research. Asha M. George, executive director at the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, commented, “I would not be surprised if by next year they’re saying China has some offensive biological weapons programs…And they probably don’t have evidence that Russia is putting in that much money in terms of the bio-economy.”
China has been heavily investing in biosafety labs and scientific research programs aimed at becoming a world leader in medical and biological research. However, concerns arise about the country’s compliance with international norms. The review points out that China’s policy changes have redefined biological research within the national security framework, limiting collaboration abroad.
In response to the report, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington stated that China is “firmly against the proliferation of biological weapons” and has strengthened export controls on dual-use biological items and technologies. China has been a signatory to the Biological Weapons Convention since 1984.
The review also addresses Russia’s ability to manipulate the information space to inhibit attribution of biological threats, which could complicate U.S. decision-making in the event of a bioweapons attack. It calls for a more coordinated and collective approach within the Defense Department to address the biosecurity threat, including improved intelligence collection and early-warning analysis.
The Pentagon acknowledges the need for greater organization and coordination within its biodefense efforts. “They need to get way more organized and coordinated in terms of what’s going on inside the Department of Defense,” said George. The report concludes by warning of limited situational awareness of biothreats and shortfalls in readiness and preparedness.
The review draws on lessons learned from the COVID-19 response and aligns with the Biden administration’s 2022 National Defense Strategy. It also follows years of tension between Beijing and Washington over biological research, including speculation about the origins of the coronavirus and unfounded accusations from China regarding U.S. bio-military research in Ukraine.
The Defense Department’s review serves as a call to action for the U.S. military to prioritize biodefense and address the evolving threats posed by China, Russia, and other nations. As bioweapons and pandemics continue to loom as potential dangers, urgent measures are required to safeguard national security and global health.