Today's D Brief: FBI, MI5 on the 'long-term threat' of China; Russian advances halt in Ukraine; US Army's personnel crisis; And a bit more.
Defense OneDec 29, 2022
US & UK Intelligence Leaders Warn of 'Game-Changing’ PRC Threats
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Image copyright: PA [via The Guardian]
The Facts
In an unprecedented joint appearance on Wed., FBI director Christopher Wray and MI5 head Ken McCallum issued strong warnings about dangers posed to the West by China, describing it as the "biggest long-term threat" to Western economic and national security.
The leaders cited Beijing's alleged desire to interfere in local politics and claimed that China is carrying out economic espionage and hacking operations to steal industrial technology and dominate global markets.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The Chinese Communist Party has been carrying out an expansive economic and political offensive against the West as the world is focused on Russia's war against Ukraine. Beijing intends to subvert democracies while stealing sensitive information, disrupting businesses, and gaining security advantages.
Pro-China narrative
UK and US intelligence agencies are trying to boost anti-China sentiment by defaming Beijing. This shouldn't come as a surprise as these actors are widely known for their operations to destabilize regimes around the world. They must realize that we aren't in the Cold War anymore.
