Neither Russia, nor North Korea: China represents the main threat to the interests of the United States worldwide, said an American intelligence report published Tuesday, March 25, according to whom Beijing is strengthening its military means.
According to this document entitled “Annual threat evaluation” (Annual Threat Assessment), the “pressure” of China on Taiwan – whose territory it claims – and “the vast cyber operations against American targets” are all indicators of threats to the security of the United States.
The report, not classified, provides an overview of the “collective perspectives” of the main American intelligence agencies as to the dangers posed by foreign countries and criminal organizations.
“China presents the most complete and strongest military threat to the American national security,” said the document published by the services of the US intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard. And to add: Beijing is “the actor most likely to threaten the interests of the United States worldwide”. Even if, warns the same source, China is more “prudent” than other countries examined in the report, such as Russia, Iran and North Korea, the Party Staff being careful not to appear “too aggressive”.
Hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft …
On Tuesday, during a hearing in the Senate, Tulsi Gabbard, said that “China (was) our strongest strategic competitor”, according to the information available to the United States. “The Chinese army deploys advanced means such as hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, advanced submarines, computer war material and a larger arsenal of nuclear weapons,” she said.
According to the information report, “Beijing will continue to develop its harmful, coercive and subversive influence activities” to weaken the United States on interior and international stages.
The agencies also warn that Beijing will seek to oppose what he considers “a campaign led by (Washington) to tarnish international relations in China and overthrow” the Chinese Communist Party.