The Gertz File (original) (raw)
Defense and National Security News
From Washington
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### By Bill Gertz
National Security Correspondent, The Washington Times
American arrested in Germany suspected of spying for China
Nov. 7, 2024
An American defense contractor who worked with U.S. military forces in Germany was arrested Thursday on suspicion of offering military secrets to China, authorities in Germany said.
China to unveil J-35 jet built with stolen U.S. tech
Nov. 7, 2024
China's air force announced it is about to unveil its newest stealth jet fighter, the J-35, which U.S. officials say was built with the help of stolen American military technology.
Chinese state media commentaries offer sharp critique of U.S. democracy
Nov. 5, 2024
American democracy is failing in the face of mounting economic, political and social problems, according to a series of commentaries attacking the U.S. system published by Chinese state media on Tuesday.
Pentagon slashes planned missile defense sites on Guam in part over environmental concerns
Oct. 31, 2024
Plans to rapidly deploy an integrated missile and air defense system on Guam now call for placing interceptors and sensors at just 16 sites on the strategic Pacific island instead of the initially planned 35 locations, the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said.
McCaul demands accountability at Global Media office
Oct. 29, 2024
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul this week criticized the leadership of the U.S. Agency for Global Media for what he said was a cover-up of an investigation of a Voice of America executive who lied about her education credentials and abused her authority. The Texas Republican said top agency leaders should be held accountable.
DIA on Putin's 'big six' nukes
Nov. 1, 2024
The Defense Intelligence Agency recently disclosed what it calls Russian President Vladimir Putin's "big six" advanced nuclear weapons systems designed to defeat U.S. defenses.
Global military threats to U.S. are increasingly linked, Adm. Sam Paparo says
Oct. 29, 2024
China poses the major security threat to the United States and the danger is compounded by Beijing's growing links with Russia, North Korea and Iran, according to the admiral in charge of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
China increases number of DF-26 'Guam killer' nuclear missiles in arsenal, DIA says in new report
Oct. 28, 2024
China is expanding the number of road-mobile DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missiles that Beijing has called the "Guam killer" for its ability to attack American forces on the Pacific island, according to a Defense Intelligence Agency report on foreign nuclear threats.
Admiral: China's war games practiced for a military blockade of Taiwan or an invasion
Oct. 25, 2024
HONOLULU -- Large-scale Chinese military exercises surrounding Taiwan this month were rehearsals for action against the self-ruled island, including preparation for a military blockade, the U.S. admiral in charge of the Indo-Pacific Command said in an interview.
New House report reveals surge in Chinese espionage across America
Oct. 25, 2024
Chinese spying cases and transnational repression -- the systematic effort to target overseas dissidents -- are rapidly increasing in the United States, according to a new report by a House subcommittee.
U.S. Air Force urged to adopt new strategy to counter China
Oct. 18, 2024
The United States is no longer unmatched in military and economic power as China has built up its capabilities, and the Air Force needs to reform its military priorities as a result, according to a report by an Air Force think tank.
In a first, U.S. sanctions Chinese firms for direct military sales for Russia's war
Oct. 17, 2024
Two Chinese companies and a Russian firm have been slapped with U.S. economic sanctions for joint China-based production of long-range attack drones that Russia used in the Ukraine war, the Treasury Department said Thursday.
Chinese military buildup on 'very dangerous trajectory,' Pacific commander warns
Oct. 15, 2024
China's extensive military buildup is on a dangerous trajectory that threatens the peace and security of the region, the commander of U.S. Army forces in the Pacific said Tuesday.
Pentagon, State Department voice concerns over Chinese military drills near Taiwan
Oct. 14, 2024
The Biden administration expressed rising concern that large-scale Chinese military exercises surrounding Taiwan over the weekend are increasing the danger of war.
Images of Xi Jinping replacing Jesus in Chinese churches
Oct. 11, 2024
China's government is cracking down on Catholic and Protestant churches in the country by ordering the removal of images of Jesus and his replacement with photos of President Xi Jinping, according to a U.S. government report on anti-religious activities in China.
Biden administration quietly seeks to renew expired tech agreement with China
Oct. 10, 2024
The Biden administration and China's government are quietly working to renew a 44-year-old science and technology agreement that congressional Republicans say should be permanently killed because it is assisting the Chinese military buildup and undermining American security.
China sought own deal to avoid Houthi rebel ship attacks, rejecting U.S. coalition, diplomat says
Oct. 8, 2024
China's government turned down an American request to join an international naval armada to protect cargo ships in the Red Sea after the waterway came under attack from Yemen's Houthi rebel forces, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell revealed recently, as Beijing sought to cut its own deal with the Iran-backed rebels to protect its own shipping interests.
China plans upgrade of information attacks on U.S. social media with AI tools, new report argues
Oct. 4, 2024
China's military and the ruling Communist Party have turned to artificial intelligence to boost the impact of propaganda and influence operations through American social media platforms, according to a new study of Beijing's covert operations.
China's nuclear arsenal may surpass U.S. estimates, expert warns
Oct. 4, 2024
China's rapid buildup of nuclear assets could be much larger than current U.S. government assessments, according to former Pentagon strategic affairs analyst Mark B. Schneider.
Replicator drones to bolster deterrence at Pacific flash points; Pentagon rolls out secret program
Oct. 1, 2024
The Pentagon program to rapidly deploy tens of thousands of low-cost drone weapons is paying off in bolstering deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific region, military sources say.
Sunken Chinese submarine was a new hybrid nuclear-conventional attack boat, U.S. says
Sept. 30, 2024
China's naval buildup now includes a new class of attack submarine that employs both conventional and nuclear propulsion, according to defense officials.
Taiwanese military report says China lacks full invasion force
Sept. 20, 2024
An annual military report produced by the Taiwanese Defense Ministry concludes that the Chinese military has improved capabilities for conducting offensive landing operations on the island, but the People's Liberation Army still lacks sufficient forces to invade, according to a copy of the report obtained by Japan's Yomiuri newspaper.
China's military buildup proceeds despite economic downturn
Sept. 27, 2024
China's economic problems have slowed Beijing's major military buildup, although the difficulties have led to minor cutbacks in some armaments, according to a knowledgeable military source.
Danger of nuclear war with North Korea greater than ever, U.S. expert warns
Sept. 20, 2024
The danger that North Korea will set off a nuclear war in Northeast Asia poses the most serious threat to peace in the region since the end of the Korean War, said a former American diplomat and retired CIA officer who may know Pyongyang better than any other U.S. official alive.
Israeli attacks on Hezbollah devices signal shift to nonkinetic warfare
Sept. 20, 2024
Under international criticism for high civilian casualties during military operations against Hamas, the Israeli military is shifting to more targeted, nonkinetic warfare, according to a military affairs analyst.
China adds hundreds of satellites for use in war; Russia building nuke to destroy enemies' assets
Sept. 17, 2024
China's military is rapidly building up space capabilities, including more than 970 recently deployed satellites that would support attacks on U.S. aircraft carriers, expeditionary forces and air wings during a conflict, a Space Force intelligence report says.
Hawk vs. hawk: Harris, Trump tangle over who will be tougher toward China
Sept. 16, 2024
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris disagree on many things, but both say they will pursue tough and confrontational policies toward China if elected president in November.
China restrictions pass House, still must pass Senate
Sept. 13, 2024
The House this week passed several legislative measures that members said targeted threats posed by China.
Rubio warns of China's economic threat
Sept. 13, 2024
Sen. Marco Rubio published a report this week revealing the successes and failures of China's global campaign to obtain technology and dominate critical markets called "Made in China 2025."
U.S. Pacific commander tells Chinese general to halt 'dangerous' incidents in South China Sea
Sept. 10, 2024
The head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific command, in the first direct communications in years with a senior Chinese general in charge of regional forces, warned Beijing was engaged in "dangerous" incidents in the South China Sea, U.S. officials said Tuesday.
Counterspies raise 'insider leaks' awareness; workplaces urged to watch out for phishing, vishing
Sept. 6, 2024
Those who leak classified information are the targets of a national Insider Threat Awareness Month, according to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, which warns that counterspies are stepping up efforts to address the problem in government and private-sector workplaces.
Space Force general warns of China, Russia threat to satellites
Sept. 6, 2024
Military forces in China and Russia are closely watching U.S. programs to protect satellites and space systems and could counter those measures with a large-scale attack, according to a senior Space Force general.
Australian ambassador derails U.S. plan for Pacific police initiative
Sept. 6, 2024
Australia's ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, torpedoed American plans to set up a multinational policing initiative with strategic Pacific island nations, an initiative meant to blunt growing Beijing security influence in the region.
N.Y. governor sought expulsion of Chinese diplomat linked to influence scandal
Sept. 4, 2024
New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, whose former senior aide has been accused in an alleged major Chinese influence operation, said Wednesday that she asked the State Department to expel a senior Chinese diplomat involved in the scandal, only to find he had left the country without incident just days ago.
Former aide to N.Y. governor arrested as Chinese agent; FBI says Sun, husband rewarded for influence
Sept. 3, 2024
The former deputy chief of staff to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday and charged with working as an influence agent for the Chinese Communist Party, prosecutors disclosed in an unsealed indictment..
In the skies, on the seas and into the courts: U.S. confronts Chinese 'lawfare'
Aug. 30, 2024
China's military is engaged in aggressive and dangerous behavior in the Asia-Pacific region, employing international law as a pretext, leading the U.S. military to step up its own "counter-lawfare" defenses, the Navy captain and lawyer in charge of the program told The Washington Times.
Former analyst decries CIA politicization of intelligence, new levels of activism under Biden
Aug. 30, 2024
Politicization of intelligence at the CIA reached new levels of activism under President Biden, according to an academic analysis of recent political influence within the agency.
Sullivan promotes Harris in meeting with Chinese leaders as Beijing visit concludes
Aug. 29, 2024
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan sought to assure China's top leaders of U.S. policy continuity if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected president, wrapping up an unusually long three-day stay in Beijing for President Biden's senior security aide.
U.S. military has no carriers in Indo-Pacific waters for first time in decades
Aug. 27, 2024
The U.S. military for the first time in decades has no aircraft carrier strike groups in the Indo-Pacific region, despite mounting tensions with China over disputed South China Sea islands, the Taiwan Strait, and a recent Chinese air incursion near Japan.
U.S. sends destroyer through Taiwan Strait as China steps up warplane incursions around island
Aug. 23, 2024
A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed through the increasingly militarized Taiwan Strait on Thursday after Chinese forces stepped up their own warplane and warship activities around the island this week.
Military exercise advances global missile defense
Aug. 22, 2024
U.S. and allied military forces recently conducted joint exercises in Hawaii that further advanced regional integrated air and missile defenses.
U.S. military unprepared for nuclear escalation in war with China, Pentagon-funded study warns
Aug. 20, 2024
U.S. military forces are not ready to respond to tactical nuclear weapons strikes by China in a protracted war, a recent Pentagon-funded study said.
Democrats' policy platform pitches what it calls 'tough but smart' U.S.-China policy that avoids war
Aug. 20, 2024
A Kamala Harris administration would continue America's policy of managing strategic competition with China to avoid war, according to a key plank of the Democrats' 2024 policy platform made public this week.
Wary China officially finds little to love in either U.S. presidential candidate
Aug. 16, 2024
China's communist leadership expects few policy changes from either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris as U.S. president.
U.S. keeps artificial intelligence away from nuclear control; China, Russia uncertain
Aug. 13, 2024
U.S. strategic forces prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to authorize nuclear weapons operations even though nuclear-armed adversaries China and Russia may not, the commander of Strategic Command said Tuesday.
Mystery surrounds Hamas leader's assassination
Aug. 8, 2024
As the Middle East braces for a possible war between Israel and Iran, mystery surrounds the spectacular Israeli intelligence operation to assassinate the political leader of Hamas.
Growing Chinese threat makes Taiwan world's most dangerous flashpoint, defense analysts warn
Aug. 6, 2024
The growing threat of a Chinese military attack makes Taiwan one of the most dangerous global flash points for years to come, according to a think tank report.
China takes foreign spy hostility to new levels; proactive strategy proposed for U.S.
Aug. 2, 2024
Spying and technology theft by Chinese intelligence operatives pose the most significant threat by hostile foreign spy services, according to a national counterintelligence strategy made public recently.
Chinese communist, military writings reveal plans for strategic influence operations through TikTok
Aug. 1, 2024
The Chinese Communist Party and military view TikTok as one of several strategic tools for political influence operations and military support actions, according to an open-source intelligence report recently made public.
Pentagon signals move to offensive counterintelligence posture
July 31, 2024
Testimony from President Biden's nominee for the key post of undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security is shedding some light on one of the Pentagon's most closely guarded secrets -- the nation's approach to countering foreign spies.
Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood network feared; report finds groups engage in ideological attacks on U.S.
July 30, 2024
The Palestinian militant group Hamas operates an extensive network of supporters in the U.S. linked to the international Muslim Brotherhood jihadist group, according to a report by a former federal counterterrorism expert.
U.S. intel agencies blocked disclosure of spy balloon gear
July 26, 2024
The Biden administration went along with U.S. intelligence agencies that recommended against releasing details to the public of a Chinese surveillance balloon that transited the United States unimpeded in early 2023 before being shot down by an Air Force jet fighter over the South Carolina coast.
China and Russia in first-ever joint patrol near Alaska seen as test of U.S. resolve, focus
July 24, 2024
Chinese and Russian nuclear-capable bombers intercepted by jet fighters near Alaska were engaged in an unprecedented joint strategic patrol near the U.S. coast, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday. But the Pentagon chief said U.S. and allied forces were prepared for the challenge.
Pentagon outlines strategy to deploy forces to counter China and Russia in the Arctic
July 23, 2024
China and Russia are increasing their economic and security activities in the Arctic and U.S. military forces are preparing multiple types of operations to counter any threats in the region, according to the Pentagon's new strategy on the Arctic.
U.S. would defeat China in a war over Taiwan, Joints Chiefs head says
July 22, 2024
The U.S. fields the most powerful army in the world and would defeat China if war breaks out over Taiwan, according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
China, Russia hold joint military drills in Pacific as partnership grows
July 15, 2024
Chinese and Russian naval forces launched joint military exercises this week that will include live-fire drills, in what U.S. intelligence officials have described as the latest sign of an expanding and troubling Beijing-Moscow military alliance.
Chinese press sees Trump assassination attempt as a failure of democracy
July 15, 2024
A Chinese state-linked media outlet reported Monday that the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is an example of escalating political violence under the U.S. democratic system — a major propaganda theme of Beijing as it promotes its socialist system as an alternative.
Chinese warships intrude into Alaska's economic zone days before NATO summit
July 12, 2024
Four Chinese warships intruded into the U.S. economic exclusion zone near Alaska's far western Aleutian Islands just two days before NATO leaders met in Washington and added China to its list of security threats.
Focused on Ukraine, NATO leaders strike a nerve in China
July 11, 2024
China came under direct NATO criticism for the first time this week as a result of its support to Russia's war in Ukraine and other policies, including its nuclear expansion and continuing cyberattacks.
Taiwan gets new official U.S. representative
July 11, 2024
Raymond F. Greene this week took over as director of the American Institute in Taiwan, the official U.S. government representative office on the democratic-ruled island that remains a major political target of China.
Chinese official warns of increased likelihood of attack on Taiwan
July 11, 2024
An influential Chinese government official and academic is warning that the People's Liberation Army may soon launch a military assault on Taiwan as part of Beijing's drive to take over the self-ruled island.
Foreign spies likely knew of Biden's age-related decline, former NSA counterspy says
July 10, 2024
Intelligence operatives from China, Russia and Iran are targeting White House secrets on President Biden's health and likely informed their governments on his apparent declining mental acuity, according to a former National Security Agency counterintelligence official.
Media agency chief refuses to answer questions from Congress on report of corruption at VOA
July 9, 2024
The chief executive in charge of overseeing official U.S. broadcast outlets declined to answer questions about corruption at the Voice of America that House Foreign Affairs Committee investigators say they uncovered during a probe of the agency.
U.S., allied intelligence agencies issue rare joint warning on Chinese state hacking group
July 9, 2024
Security services from the United States and six allied nations issued an unprecedented multinational security warning identifying a Chinese intelligence-linked hacking group that broke into computer networks in Australia, the United States and worldwide.
Key Senate Republican Risch urges U.S., NATO to step up efforts to confront threats from China
July 9, 2024
The United States and its NATO allies need to step up efforts to counter threats posed by China and should reject Beijing’s efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine over concerns Beijing will seek greater control there, according to a report by a leading Senate Republican voice on foreign affairs.
Top Chinese security officials latest target of Xi's corruption purge
June 27, 2024
The Chinese Communist Party formally has expelled two former defense ministers who had earlier been dismissed from their posts and for the first time revealed that financial corruption was the reason they were sacked, state media reported Thursday.
Chinese Embassy lobbies Hill against DNI report on leaders' corruption
June 27, 2024
A Chinese Embassy official recently wrote to Congress to lobby against legislation requiring Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines to produce a report on corruption and hidden wealth held by Chinese leaders through their relatives, including President Xi Jinping.
Former Navy captain tells Congress of decadeslong U.S. intelligence failures on China
June 26, 2024
U.S. intelligence agencies are guilty of multiple failures to address threats posed by China over the past 40 years, resulting in current existential dangers to American security, a former Navy intelligence director told Congress on Wednesday.
GOP defense bill draft targets 'woke' Pentagon policies, spurs Biden veto threat
June 25, 2024
The Republican-drafted House version of the fiscal 2025 defense appropriations bill would ban the Pentagon from spending any funds on what critics say are woke Biden administration military policies, including climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
White House says Beijing rejects call to restrict AI use in nuclear weapons use
June 24, 2024
China's government does not accept a Biden administration policy that restricts the use of artificial intelligence for using nuclear weapons, a senior White House official disclosed Monday.
U.S. protested China's latest clash with the Philippines in South China Sea, State official reveals
June 24, 2024
The Philippine government has adopted a cautious approach to aggressive Chinese coast guard actions in the South China Sea, and the Biden administration has filed formal diplomatic protests with Beijing, a senior State Department official said on Monday.
Xi echoes Mao in urging communist political control over PLA 'guns'
June 20, 2024
China's supreme leader this week urged the People's Liberation Army to maintain Chinese Communist Party political control over the "guns" of the nation, an echo of the country's late ruler, Mao Zedong.
Answers prove elusive as scientists weigh lab leak or animal source for COVID
June 18, 2024
More than four years after the COVID-19 pandemic first emerged in Wuhan, China, the origin of the virus behind the global pandemic remained a topic of heated debate and frustrating uncertainty at a Senate hearing Tuesday, with Republicans and Democrats accusing the Chinese and U.S. governments of covering up critical details of the outbreak.
Intelligence bill eyes commission on Havana syndrome
June 14, 2024
House lawmakers are proposing to create a commission to investigate debilitating brain-related injuries caused during incidents against U.S. government personnel posted abroad, known formally as anomalous health incidents. A section of the current House intelligence authorization bill now being debated would set up a National Security Commission on Anomalous Health Incidents.
Indo-Pacific commander plans 'hellscape' for China's military in Taiwan Strait
June 14, 2024
The new commander of the Hawaii-based Indo-Pacific Command is warning China's military to expect a "hellscape" response to any potential military assault on Taiwan. Adm. Samuel Paparo said one scenario designed to dissuade the Chinese from invading is the creation of a network of U.S. and allied drones to swarm the Taiwan Strait that would prevent a rapid takeover of the self-ruled island China claims as its territory.
China can't hide war preparations for potential Taiwan attack, Hill panel told
June 13, 2024
Stepped-up activities within China's transportation network will provide American military planners with clear signs of impending military action against Taiwan, a congressional commission was told on Thursday.
Top Biden China adviser Campbell says U.S. not seeking regime change for communist China
June 12, 2024
The Biden administration is not seeking to replace China's communist system as it pursues better relations with Beijing, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Wednesday.
House committee finds 'corruption' kept Persian news chief on job at Voice of America
June 12, 2024
The federal agency in charge of nearly $1 billion in funding for government broadcasting sought to cover up improper activities by a fired Voice of America manager who was rehired under the Biden administration, according to a three-year investigation by a House oversight panel.
Israel joins China and Russia in deploying jet-launched ballistic missile
June 11, 2024
Israel unveiled an air-launched ballistic missile capable of defeating advanced air defenses and delivering precision strikes, the state aerospace company announced.
Chinese senior leaders use relatives to hide wealth and corruption, says congressional report
June 9, 2024
Senior Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, are engaged in corruption and hiding hundreds of millions of dollars in wealth by using relatives to disguise their activities, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.
Beijing racing to deploy domestic Starlink
June 6, 2024
China is working to copy Elon Musk's Starlink system of small satellites that enable easy access to the internet from remote locations.
Tiananmen's legacy at 35: Protests spurred Communist Party toward total control
June 4, 2024
Members of Congress and Chinese pro-democracy dissidents gathered on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to mark the 35th anniversary of the day some 200,000 Chinese troops launched a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters occupying Tiananmen Square.
NSA chief says China readying destructive cyberattacks on critical infrastructure
June 3, 2024
China's cyber operatives have infiltrated computer networks used to control critical U.S. infrastructure in preparation for future attacks to disrupt American society during a conflict, the director of the National Security Agency warned.
Tensions mark Air Force debate on how to use new B-21 bomber
May 31, 2024
The Air Force this week made public the first photos of its new sixth-generation strategic bomber, the B-21 Raider, and military planners are divided over how best to use what will be one of America's most powerful warplanes.
Japanese jets scramble after Chinese dual-use spy and attack drone enters air defense zone
May 28, 2024
Japanese fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Chinese military drone flying over the East China Sea spotted for the first time, Tokyo's defense ministry disclosed this week.
Chinese war games near Taiwan show new details of attack plans
May 26, 2024
The Chinese military's simulated attacks on Taiwan in recent days included mock missile strikes and joint operations, revealing details of Beijing's plan to reach a promised goal of taking over the island democracy, military affairs analysts said.
House GOP to press spy agencies for report on corruption among China's leaders
May 23, 2024
A group of House Republicans plans to give Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines an additional 90 days to submit an overdue report on corruption among Chinese communist leaders and to testify publicly on the matter.
Putin, on Beijing visit, seeks to deepen 'strategic' ties to challenge U.S.
May 16, 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a day of talks Thursday in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a visit meant to forge closer strategic ties and portray the United States as an aggressive Cold War hegemon attempting to destabilize the world.
House panel faults intelligence agencies on response to Chinese influence operations
May 14, 2024
The nation's intelligence agencies are not doing enough to counter large-scale Chinese information operations in the U.S., a House committee investigating Beijing's information warfare said in letters sent to senior intelligence officials.
Without firing a shot: China focuses on non-military ways to take Taiwan, reports warn
May 13, 2024
China is engaged in information warfare across multiple sectors of Taiwan and plans a takeover of the self-ruled island through political coercion and cyber spying influence operations, with military force a key option, according to two new think tank reports.
Lawmakers urge more hardened U.S. aircraft shelters in Asia as China bulks up
May 9, 2024
U.S. military aircraft in the Indo-Pacific region are vulnerable to missile attacks from China, which has constructed hundreds of hardened aircraft bunkers in apparent preparation for war, a group of Republican lawmakers said in urging stronger aircraft defenses by the Air Force and Navy.
China joins U.S. climate leftists to undercut American energy security, Heritage report warns
May 7, 2024
China is working with American leftists to undercut U.S. energy security by seeking to control green energy sources, according to a new report by The Heritage Foundation.
China's gray-zone operations 'illegal, coercive, aggressive, deceptive,' Paparo says
May 6, 2024
China's increasingly aggressive military activities in Asia are illegal, coercive and deceptive, according to the new commander of the Indo-Pacific command.
Greater instability and military coercion by China coming, intel chief Haines tells lawmakers
May 2, 2024
China's leaders are planning for greater instability in relations with the United States and Chinese military forces are expected to continue aggressive actions in the Asia Pacific region, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told a Senate hearing on Thursday.
U.S. group used federal funds for dangerous virus research in China, House report says
May 1, 2024
The virus research group EcoHealth Alliance was engaged in dangerous experimental virus work in China that was funded by the federal government, according to a newly released report by a special House panel on the COVID-19 pandemic.
BlackRock in China: Nuclear buildup underwritten in part by leading Wall Street firm, report says
April 30, 2024
BlackRock, a major Wall Street firm, is investing millions of dollars in an estimated 30 Chinese military-linked companies sanctioned by the U.S. government, according to a think tank report prepared for Congress.
Rising threat environment could prompt 'nuclear reconsideration' in Asia, top State official warns
April 24, 2024
Asian governments are increasingly concerned by growing nuclear threats posed by China, North Korea and Russia, and a U.S. extended deterrence is key to preventing the emergence of new nuclear-armed states in the region, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Wednesday.
Chinese military's work on marine toxins raising new fears of biological warfare weapons
April 23, 2024
China's military is conducting research on sea-based neurotoxins, raising fears among U.S. officials and analysts that Beijing is secretly developing deadly biological weapons for use in conflict.
Pentagon speeding up work on first new nuclear warhead in 40 years
April 18, 2024
The United States is building the first new nuclear warhead in 40 years but will do so without nuclear testing, Energy Department officials told Congress on Wednesday.
Beijing waging political warfare against government, business, experts tell House oversight panel
April 17, 2024
China's communist government is engaged in large-scale political warfare and influence efforts it calls united front operations that are seeking to subvert all sectors of the United States, according to an investigation by the House oversight committee.
Chinese government linked to illicit fentanyl trade
April 16, 2024
Beijing's communist government is supporting illicit trade in deadly fentanyl by offering tax rebates and other incentives to manufacturers in China, according to a bipartisan report by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
Pentagon chief Austin urges China to respect international waters, airspace
April 16, 2024
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told his Chinese counterpart Tuesday that U.S. forces will continue to fly and sail in international waters, including the disputed South China Sea.
Failed deterrence: Iran attack on Israel a second failure of Biden administration to stop conflict
April 16, 2024
President Biden and his administration knew for days that Iran was preparing a major military strike on Israel, but they were unable to stop it.
Pentagon two weeks from decision on China-focused joint military task force sought by Congress
April 11, 2024
The Pentagon is close to completing an assessment into setting up a congressionally mandated joint military force for the Pacific that lawmakers say is needed to prepare for war with China, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Congress this week.
China sends high-level delegation to North Korea
April 11, 2024
Amid growing North Korea-Russia ties, China's government this week dispatched a high-level delegation to Pyongyang in an apparent effort to woo the regime of Kim Jong Un back into its orbit, according to published reports in Beijing.
China could invade Taiwan in less than a decade, former Navy intel chief warns
April 10, 2024
China's military forces are preparing for an invasion or blockade of Taiwan and could take action in less than a decade, the former admiral in charge of U.S. Navy intelligence warned recently.
U.S. in danger of losing the space race to China, Pentagon experts warn
April 8, 2024
The U.S. risks losing a new space race with China unless American and allied space industries are strengthened and bureaucratic logjams reduced, according to a study by Pentagon space experts made public Monday.
U.S., China military officials resume direct talks in Hawaii after lengthy break
April 5, 2024
U.S. and Chinese military officials met in Hawaii this week for the first meeting in three years of a group set up to improve communications and avoid military misfortunes in the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Friday.
Chinese weapons found in Gaza, report claims
April 4, 2024
The war between Israel and Hamas has revealed extensive Chinese support for Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups that the U.S. and Israel consider terrorist organizations, according to strategic analyst Guermantes Lailari.
New heights of warfare: Marines train in mountainous, arctic conditions
April 3, 2024
MARINE MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, Calif. -- U.S. Marines are an elite fighting force known for tenacious amphibious combat from ships to shores, but they are now training for missions far from any coastline -- in mountains, snow and ice to be ready to fight battles in places near China, Russia or the Arctic.
Biden, China's Xi speak by phone in latest bid to address bilateral tensions
April 2, 2024
President Biden held telephone talks Tuesday with Chinese President Xi Jinping that included what the White House described as "candid and constructive" discussions on Chinese coercion of Taiwan and growing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Biden administration sanctions Chinese hacking firm for cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure
March 25, 2024
The U.S. government imposed new economic sanctions Monday on a Chinese company linked to Beijing's Ministry of State Security spy service, accusing the firm of conducting cyberattacks against critical U.S. infrastructure, the Treasury Department announced.
U.S. Indo-Pacific commander warns of growing danger of war over Taiwan
March 25, 2024
China's "massive" military buildup shows no signs of slowing down and the U.S. military in the region needs more money to better deter a war with Beijing, the outgoing commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific warned in testimony before Congress this week.
House oversight panel launches wide-ranging probe into Chinese influence operations in U.S.
March 14, 2024
The House committee in charge of government oversight is launching a large-scale investigation into what lawmakers say is a "political warfare" campaign against the federal government and the entire American system by Beijing.
West Point deletes 'duty, honor, country' from mission statement
March 13, 2024
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has removed the words "Duty, Honor, Country" from its mission statement in what some critics say reflects the deepening politicization within the military services under President Biden
China now leads the world in nuclear and conventional hypersonic missiles, U.S. intelligence warns
March 13, 2024
China now boasts the world's largest arsenal of hypersonic missiles, which can hit U.S. targets with both nuclear and conventional warheads, a senior U.S. intelligence analyst told Congress on Tuesday.
Intel chief: China's economic woes increase danger of war
March 11, 2024
China's significant economic problems are increasing the danger Beijing will strike out in a conflict against Taiwan or another regional adversary, the Biden administration's director of national intelligence warned in a threat assessment made public Monday.
China building new generation of mobile ICBMs
March 6, 2024
China is developing a new generation of mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles, part of a large-scale buildup of its nuclear arsenal, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command recently disclosed to Congress.
China to boost defense spending by 7.2% this year despite economic woes
March 5, 2024
China will increase spending on defense by 7.2% in 2024 as part of a large-scale military buildup as even the ruling Communist Party is dialing back expectations for economic growth.
'Breathtaking': Stratcom general warns of China's expansion of nuclear weapons
Feb. 29, 2024
China is showing no signs of slowing the furious pace of its program to develop nuclear weapons delivery systems, a sign that Beijing is shifting away from a strategy of minimum deterrence, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command told Congress on Thursday.
Two high-ranking Chinese leaders lose more power in ongoing party purge
Feb. 27, 2024
The ruling Chinese Communist Party took action this week against two former senior leaders who disappeared suddenly several months ago, as part of an apparent political purge by President Xi Jinping.
China adopts 'space coercion' as strategic weapon in plan to attack U.S. satellites
Feb. 26, 2024
The Chinese military has adopted a strategy for a conflict with the United States that calls for "space coercion" as an element of deterrence, according to a U.S. Air Force think tank report.
U.S. engaged in 'battle of ideas' with communist China, U.S. ambassador says
Feb. 26, 2024
The United States is locked in a war of ideas with China, which wants to replace the American model of democracy around the world with its communist system, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns says.
U.S. urged to do more to counter China's growing censorship system
Feb. 20, 2024
China's communist government has sharply increased censorship and information controls under President Xi Jinping, posing a growing threat to U.S. security and the free flow of information globally, according to a report by a congressional China commission.
Beijing engaged in 'critical buildout' of offensive cyber tools, FBI Director Wray warns
Feb. 19, 2024
Chinese hackers are stepping up efforts to get inside networks used to control critical U.S. infrastructure in preparation for future sabotage, according to FBI Director Christopher A. Wray.
Angela Chao, sister of former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, dies in Texas car accident
Feb. 14, 2024
Angela Chao, chief executive of a major shipping company and former board member of the state-owned Bank of China, died in a car accident in Texas on Sunday, according to her family and multiple published reports.
Air Force, Space Force unveil major retooling to confront a rising China
Feb. 13, 2024
The U.S. Air Force combat wings will be turned into "units of action" designed to better fight a war with China under a major reorganization of the service and its new sub-service, the Space Force, announced by senior service leaders this week.
U.S. venture capital firms bankrolling the Chinese military, aiding rights abuses, panel says
Feb. 12, 2024
Five U.S. venture capital companies have invested an estimated $3 billion in Chinese advanced technology that congressional investigators say is bankrolling the Chinese military and fueling human rights abuses.
Chinese-born engineer arrested for theft involving missile sensor technology
Feb. 8, 2024
FBI agents in California arrested a suspected technology spy for China this week, charging him with stealing some 3,600 files from a defense contractor that includes sensitive information on advanced sensors used to detect missile launches.
Congress sounds alarm on sealift shortfalls for potential Pacific clash
Feb. 7, 2024
Amid growing tensions with China, the U.S. military lacks adequate sealift capabilities to support a war in the Indo-Pacific, according to the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
Pacific Command legal office prepares military forces for future fight with China
Feb. 6, 2024
If the United States goes to war with China in the future, the Indo-Pacific Command legal office has prepared reports defining the legal basis for future American military action in places like the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
List of Chinese military-linked firms in U.S. surges in latest Pentagon accounting
Jan. 31, 2024
Under pressure from Congress, the Pentagon on Wednesday released an updated and expanded list of nearly 50 Chinese military companies currently operating in the United States. The list includes several key weapons makers such as the Aviation Industry Corp. of China Ltd. and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. Ltd.
Biden will speak to Xi Jinping soon, White House adviser says
Jan. 30, 2024
President Biden will soon hold a telephone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of the new Biden administration policy of seeking to stabilize relations, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Tuesday night.
China linking with Russia, Iran and North Korea poses dangerous threat to U.S., former leaders warn
Jan. 30, 2024
The threat posed by China and its anti-U.S. allies like Russia, Iran and North Korea is more dangerous today than ever, two former high-ranking administration leaders told Congress on Tuesday.
Lawmakers press Pentagon watchdog on federal funds to COVID-linked Wuhan lab
Jan. 25, 2024
Two key lawmakers are pressing for more answers as the Pentagon inspector general prepares to investigate funding of risky virus research in China, a probe mandated under the defense authorization law signed last month by President Biden.
With an assist from Russia, China's plutonium reactors fuel strategic arms buildup
Jan. 23, 2024
China is building two advanced nuclear reactors with Russian assistance that will produce plutonium for Beijing's rapid buildup of nuclear weapons, according to a new Air Force think tank study.
China expected to step up coercion, provocations after Taiwan election rebuke
Jan. 23, 2024
China is expected to increase its pressure campaign and military provocations against Taiwan as it digests the election of another pro-independence president in the island democracy, according to the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific.
No breakthroughs seen as Pentagon-China direct talks resume after freeze
Jan. 10, 2024
The Pentagon said it hoped the resumption of direct military talks this week after a lengthy freeze will help prevent conflict with China, as People's Liberation Army officials demanded a reduction in U.S. military operations in the South China Sea. But the relatively low level of representation from both sides signaled the exchanges have not yet returned to prior levels of engagement.
China makes preparations for a war that the Pentagon says is not inevitable
Jan. 9, 2024
China is preparing for a conflict with the United States by taking steps that include military reforms and drills, a stockpiling of oil and food, increased spying and military appointments.
U.S. intelligence agencies ill-suited for China competition, study warns
Jan. 6, 2024
U.S. intelligence agencies are not structured to address threats and challenges posed by China and need urgent reforms, according to a report by a national security think tank.
China space warfare includes cyberattacks, jamming and on-orbit grappling, intel survey says
Jan. 4, 2024
China's plans for space warfare include the use of cyberattacks and electronic jamming to disrupt and disable U.S. satellite systems, while the Chinese military in the future will have small robot satellites for grabbing or crushing U.S. military space sensors, according to a report by a senior U.S. intelligence official.
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