Washington, Dec 17 (NationPress) The growing campaign of “hybrid warfare” orchestrated by Russia and China poses a significant risk to U.S. interests, the unity of NATO, and the integrity of democratic institutions, according to U.S. lawmakers and experts. They have identified a perilous, coordinated approach that incorporates cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage, and economic coercion.

During a Congressional hearing, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Keith Self emphasized that the U.S. and its allies are entering a new phase of conflict, stating, “We are at war, not declared in the traditional sense.” He stressed that “hybrid warfare is in full effect,” as malicious actors aim to destabilize society without engaging in conventional warfare.

Self pointed out that both Russia and China are leveraging “diplomatic, informational, military, and economic tactics to intimidate, harass, and undermine NATO member nations and their institutions,” noting that these efforts have escalated significantly since Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Witnesses at the hearing outlined a wide array of threats, including drone incursions within European airspace, sabotage of critical infrastructure like railways and undersea cables, and the weaponization of disinformation and migration. “The rules of engagement are evolving before us,” Self stated.

William Keating, the leading Democrat on the panel, remarked that Russia and China are “fast friends refining their strategies to exploit weaknesses, manipulate political conversations, and erode our shared transatlantic values.” He cautioned that while Beijing and Moscow deploy different tactics, they share a common goal: to undermine European security.

During the session, Craig Singleton from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies highlighted that China views Europe as “a critical battleground in its long-term rivalry with the United States,” utilizing its influence in ports, telecom networks, and supply chains to establish “strategic dependencies.”

Singleton noted, “China aims to fracture alliances and normalize a narrative of Western decline.” He added that China serves as “a lifeline for Russia’s military efforts,” supplying microelectronics and other dual-use items while Moscow engages in overt aggression and blatant disinformation campaigns. “Russia and China are employing a complementary hybrid strategy,” he asserted.

Christopher Walker, vice president at the National Endowment for Democracy, characterized the threat as a “systemic assault on free societies,” stating that Russia relies on shadow warfare tactics to destabilize governments without provoking direct military responses. “Russia operates in a constant state of confrontation utilizing shadow warfare,” he explained.

Laura Cooper, a former Pentagon official, reported that Europe has witnessed “well over 100 acts of sabotage and attempted attacks” linked to Russia’s hybrid tactics since 2022, encompassing damage to railways and cyberattacks paired with physical explosions.

She added that Moscow’s immediate objective is “to diminish support for Ukraine by instilling fear throughout the NATO alliance.”

Lawmakers also expressed concern regarding the exploitation of artificial intelligence and social media platforms to amplify disinformation. Cooper remarked that AI is “enhancing what is already a concerted effort of Russian hybrid warfare,” exacerbating social tensions and deterring public backing for Ukraine.

Several members criticized what they termed an insufficient U.S. response, with Keating warning that neglecting to confront Moscow and Beijing’s hybrid tactics would render America “less safe, less strong, and less prosperous.”

The hearing highlighted a bipartisan consensus that Europe must bolster its resilience while underscoring that U.S. leadership remains crucial. “Authoritarian regimes fear collective responses more than anything,” Walker emphasized, calling for improved coordination among allies.

Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics have escalated sharply and intensified following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with NATO consistently accusing Moscow of engaging in sabotage, cyber operations, and election meddling across Europe.

Although China has denied accusations of cyber espionage and covert influence operations, Western governments assert that Beijing is increasingly aligning with Moscow on strategic objectives.