China poses the primary threat to US interests globally, according to a report by American intelligence released on Tuesday, which highlights that Beijing is bolstering its military capabilities.
The report, titled Annual Threat Assessment, cites China’s pressure on Taiwan, which it claims as its territory, and extensive cyber operations targeting the US as key indicators of threats to American security.
This unclassified report provides insight into the "collective perspectives" of major US intelligence agencies regarding dangers posed by foreign countries and criminal organisations.
According to the report issued by the director of US intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, China presents the most comprehensive and potent military threat to US national security. It also labels Beijing as "the actor most capable of threatening US interests globally."
While the report notes that China is more “cautious” than other countries examined, such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea, it emphasises that the state-party avoids appearing “overly aggressive.”
During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Tulsi Gabbard stated, “China is our most formidable strategic competitor.” She described China’s military advancements including hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, advanced submarines, cyber warfare capabilities, and an expanding nuclear arsenal.
The intelligence report indicates that Beijing will continue to engage in malicious, coercive, and subversive activities to undermine the US both domestically and internationally.
It also warns that China will seek to counter what it perceives as a campaign led by Washington to tarnish its international relations and overthrow the Chinese Communist Party.
The report comes as the US administration is under severe pressure after a journalist revealed he was mistakenly added to a sensitive group chat by Mike Waltz, the national security advisor to President Donald Trump. The discussion revealed classified war operations and intelligence which could have put US security and diplomatic personnel at risk.
