China Remains ‘Pacing Challenge’ for U.S., Pentagon Press Secretary Says NOV. 16, 2021 | BY DAVID VERGUN , DOD NEWS The secretary of defense believes that China is a pacing challenge for the Defense Department, the Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said during a news conference today. Although China is developing capabilities that could potentially threaten the security and stability of neighboring nations in the region and globally, the department views that nation as a pacing challenge, not a pacing threat, he said. The department’s response has been to strengthen regional and global alliances and partnerships. “Competition does not…