President Joe Biden approved a new classified national security memo Wednesday, Dec. 11. The White House said it could serve as a roadmap for the Trump administration on Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
The memo, which is not being made public due to what the White House called sensitive findings, has details on how the four U.S. adversaries are increasingly working together.
Some of that cooperation is already visible:
- North Korean troops are in Ukraine aiding Russia in its ongoing invasion and have received essential fuel and military aid from Russia.
- Russia has provided Iran more fighter jets, while Iran offers Russia drones and missiles to get around international sanctions.
- China and Russia are working together to increase military cooperation, including joint missions to patrol the Arctic.
In response, the Biden administration memo recommended better cooperation between U.S. government agencies, quicker sharing of information about the four countries with U.S. allies, sharpening the effectiveness of sanctions and preparing for more than one crisis at once involving the four countries.
Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have different worldviews, but The Associated Press noted in its report on the memo that national security is a point of coordination between the outgoing and incoming presidential teams.
One official, speaking to reporters under anonymity due to White House rules, said the memo isn’t trying to, “box in, or tilt” the Trump administration on policy.
The document has been under development since the summer of 2024 and was planned to serve as a tool for whichever candidate won the November election.
