Beijing focus on expanding power, shaping world events to its advantage, reducing US influence, claims DNI report
China presents the “most comprehensive and robust military threat to US national security,” according to an Annual Threat Assessment by the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
The report highlights Beijing's growing military capabilities, global ambitions and strategic efforts to challenge US influence.
Under President Xi Jinping, it said, China aims to achieve “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049. To accomplish it, Beijing is focused on expanding its power, shaping world events to its advantage and reducing US influence, said the report.
While China is willing to ease tensions with Washington when it serves its interests, it is also actively working to counter US and allied military presence in the Pacific, said DNI.
The report underlined that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is modernizing its forces to become a "world-class military" by 2049, by revamping ground forces, expanding its navy and improving electronic warfare capabilities.
China has also developed ballistic and cruise missiles capable of striking US territories in the Pacific, including Guam, Hawaii and Alaska, said DNI.
- Expanding overseas military presence
Beyond regional power projection, the report suggested that China is expanding its global military footprint.
It said China seeks to establish military bases and logistics hubs worldwide to support Chinese interests, warning that Beijing is likely pursuing “a mixture of military logistics models.” The models include access to commercial infrastructure abroad, logistics facilities with pre-positioned supplies co-located with commercial infrastructure, and bases with stationed forces.
The report highlighted that the efforts are part of China's broader whole-of-government approach to assert its dominance for pressuring Taiwan, strengthening its presence in the region and countering US global dominance without direct warfare.
- Taiwan: Growing flashpoint
Taiwan remains a key concern for US security. The report said China will likely intensify coercive actions against Taiwan in 2025, particularly in response to increased US support for the island.
DNI said while Beijing publicly promotes peaceful unification, it continues to threaten military force if "necessary" and if Washington is perceived as interfering.
It warned that a China-Taiwan conflict could severely affect US trade and semiconductor supply chains, causing economic turmoil even without direct US involvement.
The PLA is expanding military operations around Taiwan and developing capabilities to "deter—and if necessary, defeat" US intervention, it suggested.
China has not publicly responded to the report nor the US' claims.
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