According to an annual report released by the U.S. intelligence community on Tuesday, March 25, China represents the biggest and most comprehensive threat to U.S. national security. The report cautions that Beijing is steadily advancing its ability to seize control of Taiwan by force, viewing the self-governed island as a breakaway province.

The Annual Threat Assessment, developed with input from multiple U.S. intelligence agencies, highlights China’s growing “coercive pressure” on Taiwan and its “wide-ranging cyber operations against US targets” as key aspects of its threat profile. The report said, “China presents the most comprehensive and robust military threat to US national security.”

The assessment highlights Beijing’s increasing willingness to extend its influence through cyberattacks and influence operations. It cautions that China will likely continue engaging in “coercive and subversive malign influence activities” to weaken the U.S. domestically and internationally.

The report states that the Chinese government is mainly focused on countering what it sees as a “US-led campaign to tarnish Beijing’s global relations and overthrow” the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Additionally, Beijing is vigorously training to challenge U.S. military operations in the Pacific. It is “making steady but uneven progress” in developing the capabilities necessary to attempt a seizure of Taiwan.

However, U.S. intelligence agencies assess that China’s leadership remains cautious in its approach. The report indicates that Beijing aims to manage tensions with Washington in the short term, partly to protect its pivotal interests and buy time to strengthen its strategic position.

Although China’s ambitions are extensive, the report highlights internal vulnerabilities, especially those linked to President Xi Jinping’s leadership style. It states Xi’s emphasis on security and personal loyalty is “undermining China’s ability to solve complex domestic problems and will impede Beijing’s global leverage.” It highlights Beijing’s cautious approach compared to the more openly aggressive strategies used by other U.S. adversaries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

China quickly dismissed the intelligence findings, with foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun criticising the report as “irresponsible and biased.”

During a regular press briefing, Guo remarked, “The US publishes these kinds of reports year after year. We have no intention of surpassing anyone or replacing anyone.”

Meanwhile, speaking before a Senate panel on Tuesday, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reaffirmed the report’s conclusions, stating, “China is our most capable strategic competitor.”

In addition to China, the Annual Threat Assessment highlights ongoing threats from Russia, Iran, North Korea, and non-state actors, including transnational criminal organisations like Mexican drug cartels and Islamic extremist groups.