China hawk Colby confirmed as U.S. defense policy chief

Advocate of limited military engagement seeks more defense spending by Tokyo, Taiwan

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Elbridge Colby, who lived in Japan for several years, was confirmed as Pentagon policy chief. (Photo by Yukihiro Sakaguchi)

RINTARO TOBITA

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Elbridge Colby as undersecretary for policy in the Defense Department, elevating an Asia-focused hawk who argues that allies in the region should pull more weight amid the threat from China.

Despite his relative youth at age 45, Colby -- who spent several years of his childhood in Japan -- has substantial experience in the Defense and State departments as well as in intelligence. During President Donald Trump's first administration, he co-led development of the Pentagon's National Defense Strategy as a deputy assistant secretary.

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