China Represents the Most Extensive Military Threat to US National Security: Intelligence Report
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Synopsis
A recent US intelligence report has identified China as the most significant military threat to US national security, highlighting its cyber capabilities and military modernization focused on countering US operations in the Pacific. The report warns of potential aggressive actions by China amidst rising tensions with Washington.
Key Takeaways
- China is a primary military threat to US national security.
- Active cyber threats target US infrastructure.
- China's military modernization includes advanced missile systems.
- Potential for aggressive cyber operations if conflict arises.
- China aims to surpass the US in AI by 2030.
Washington, March 26 (NationPress) China represents the most extensive and formidable military threat to the national security of the United States, a recent US intelligence report disclosed on Tuesday.
The report emphasized that China is actively and persistently engaging in cyber threats against the US government, private sector, and critical infrastructure networks, with Beijing's nuclear arsenal and advanced delivery mechanisms capable of inflicting catastrophic damage, posing a direct risk to the US and its military forces both domestically and internationally.
The Annual Threat Assessment conducted by intelligence authorities indicates that a significant portion of China's military modernization is concentrated on developing counter-intervention capabilities aimed at countering all facets of US and allied military operations in the Pacific.
"President Xi Jinping and the People's Republic of China (PRC) aim to realize 'the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation' by 2049. The PRC intends to enhance its power and influence to shape global events to create an environment conducive to PRC interests, secure greater US deference to Chinese interests, and counter challenges to its reputation, legitimacy, and capabilities both domestically and internationally," the report highlights.
It notes that China has created a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles with conventional payloads that can be launched from its mainland as well as by air and sea, including from nuclear-powered submarines.
"It may also be exploring the development of conventionally-armed intercontinental missile systems, which, if developed and deployed, would enable China to threaten conventional strikes against targets within the continental United States," the report states.
The annual report detailing global threats to US national security encapsulates the collective insights of the Intelligence Community (IC), dedicated to delivering nuanced, independent, and unembellished intelligence necessary for policymakers, military personnel, and domestic law enforcement to safeguard American lives and interests worldwide.
The assessment prioritizes the most immediate and serious threats to the United States for the upcoming year. All these threats necessitate a robust intelligence response, especially where a near-term focus may help avert greater threats in the future.
The report cautioned that China is employing complex, whole-of-government campaigns utilizing coercive military, economic, and influence operations short of war to affirm its positions and strength against others, reserving more destructive methods for full-scale conflict.
The report indicates that if Beijing believed a major confrontation with Washington was imminent, it might contemplate aggressive cyber operations against US critical infrastructure and military assets. Such actions, it stated, would be intended to deter US military response by disrupting decision-making, inducing societal panic, and hindering the deployment of US forces.
Highlighting that China is likely pursuing a multifaceted, national strategy aimed at surpassing the United States as the leading global power in AI by 2030, the report further reveals that China has appropriated hundreds of gigabytes of intellectual property from companies across Asia, Europe, and North America.
This has been executed to overcome technological barriers, with as much as 80 percent of US economic espionage cases as of 2021 involving Chinese entities, the report discloses.
"Beijing is likely to feel empowered to employ malign influence more frequently in the years to come, especially as it integrates AI to enhance its capabilities and evade detection," the report notes.
Warning about the expansion of China's nuclear posture, the report asserts that China likely possesses capabilities pertinent to Chemical and Biological Warfare (CBW) that pose a threat to US, allied, and partner forces, as well as to the civilian population.
