Pentagon chief stresses stronger alliances to counter China, Russia

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed a new initiative Tuesday to strengthen and expand US alliances with “like-minded democracies” to counter Russia and China. Esper said the Pentagon would systematically monitor and manage its relationships with partner countries, aiming to find ways to coordinate militaries and also to advance US arms sales. The initiative, called the Guidance for Development for Alliances and Partnerships(GDAP), came just…