Biden's nominees promise fresh approach on national security

20/1/2021 13:41

        President-elect Joe Biden's nominees to lead his national security team promised a turnabout from the Trump administration's approach on the world stage, saying Tuesday they would keep partisan politics out of intelligence agencies, restore an emphasis on cooperating with international allies, and push for a stronger American leadership role.
        
        Antony Blinken, Biden's choice to be secretary of state, pledged to repair damage done to the State Department and America's image abroad over the past four years while continuing a tougher approach to China. He said he planned to restore career officials to prominent positions in the department and strive to promote inclusivity in the ranks for the diplomatic corps.
        
        "American leadership still matters,” he said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
        
        Neither Blinken nor Biden's other nominees for national security Cabinet posts encountered substantial opposition Tuesday.