The Pentagon may launch in the Pacific region a permanent naval task force that could rapidly respond to conflict in an effort to stand against China’s expanding military presence, two people familiar with the discussions said, according to a Politico report on Tuesday.

A named military operation would be included in the plan, allowing for Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to distribute funding and resources to the effort, said the sources, who asked to remain anonymous.

The proposed plan would strengthen President Joe Biden’s claims that his administration is tough on the communist nation, particularly surrounding Beijing’s military expansion and aggression in the Pacific region.

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