Defense and National Security News
From Washington
National Security Correspondent, The Washington Times
A new era: Construction of strategic lithium processing plant kicks off
Sept. 6, 2023
THACKER PASS, Nevada -- Construction crews are getting to work on a lithium processing plant here at an open pit mine in northern Nevada that mine owners say will -- finally -- soon produce vital material for electric vehicle batteries, a key part of the Biden administration climate change agenda.
Chinese electronic spies target Taiwan, Microsoft report claims
Aug. 28, 2023
A group of state-sponsored Chinese hackers carried out attacks against dozens of organizations in Taiwan as part of a sophisticated cyber-espionage operation, according to a report by computer software giant Microsoft.
Chinese nanotechnology fueling advanced bio, cyber weapons, electronic warfare tools, study warns
Aug. 26, 2023
The Chinese military is building sophisticated biological weapons and small-scale electronic tools made with nanotechnology that could be used in covert warfare, a major study warns.
China's military working on AI weapons and systems for warfighting and 'overthrowing regimes'
Aug. 22, 2023
China's military is working on artificial intelligence weapons and technical systems that the Communist Party-ruled government in Beijing hopes will boost the People's Liberation Army's war-fighting capabilities.
China holds large war games in response to Taiwan VP's U.S. visit
Aug. 21, 2023
China has carried out war games around Taiwan involving battleships and scores of aircraft during recent days in what a Chinese military spokesman declared was a saber-rattling political message to Taipei opposing the recent U.S. visit by Taiwanese Vice President William Lai.
Pentagon ill-prepared for bio warfare attacks from adversaries such as China, Russia
Aug. 18, 2023
The Pentagon needs to improve defenses and readiness against biological weapons attacks and is ill-prepared for germ warfare attacks from China or other adversaries, according to a biodefense posture report.
General: China military threats drive missile defense buildup on Guam
Aug. 17, 2023
The Pentagon is engaged in a crash program to build up missile defenses on Guam based on growing concerns of possible missile attacks from China, the Army general in charge of missile defense for the Indo-Pacific command said Thursday.
No let-up in China nuclear weapons expansion, Stratcom general says
Aug. 16, 2023
China is showing no let-up in the rapid expansion of its nuclear forces and now joins Russia in posing a dual threat to American strategic deterrence of a nuclear conflict, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command said Wednesday.
China adopts interim AI rule requiring technology to back the communist system
Aug. 15, 2023
China on Tuesday implemented a new interim regulation requiring providers of artificial intelligence services to support the communist system and prevent the technology from subverting state power, according to the text of the administrative measure.
Taiwan braced for new Chinese military moves following vice president's U.S. visit
Aug. 14, 2023
Taiwan's military said it is preparing for Chinese military operations around the island in the coming days as an expected saber-rattling response to the U.S. visit by Taiwan Vice President William Lai, the front-runner ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Intelligence chief releases strategy urging sharper focus on China, Russia
Aug. 10, 2023
The government's lead intelligence agencies are retooling to deal with rising threats posed by China and Russia while also adopting hiring policies aimed at making spy services more inclusive and diverse, according to a new strategy outline from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Threat from China prompts major military buildup by Japan, including long-range strike weapons
July 28, 2023
A security "crisis" mainly posed by threats from China is behind Japan's largest military buildup since World War II, including new strike weapons and asymmetric warfare arms, according to a defense strategy report made public Friday.
U.S. intelligence agencies say China helping Russia evade sanctions, export controls
July 27, 2023
China has become a major economic supporter of Russia since the invasion of Ukraine and is assisting Moscow in evading economic sanctions and export controls on technology, according to a U.S. intelligence assessment made public Thursday.
General tapped for Space Command chief declines to endorse DEI policies
July 27, 2023
The three-star general nominated to head the U.S. Space Command declined to endorse the Biden administration's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in the military at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.
U.S. general: China likely to send more spy balloons over U.S.
July 26, 2023
China's dispatch of a suspected surveillance balloon over the United States earlier this year is likely to be repeated, the nominee to lead the Pentagon's Northern Command told Congress on Wednesday.
Outspoken Chinese foreign minister purged by Xi Jinping
July 25, 2023
China's government removed Foreign Minister Qin Gang from his post on Tuesday with no explanation after the minister's mysterious disappearance from public view last month, state media reported.
Beijing vows to thwart renewed U.S. spying after CIA Director Burns' remarks
July 24, 2023
China will prevent the CIA from conducting intelligence operations in the country after CIA Director William Burns said last week the agency has made progress in rebuilding lost agent networks, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.
White House adviser calls on China to hold nuclear arms talks
July 21, 2023
China's buildup of nuclear missiles and other strategic weapons requires that Beijing begin nuclear talks with the U.S., White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Friday.
CIA rebuilding spy networks in China a decade after losing agents, director reveals
July 20, 2023
The Central Intelligence Agency is working to rebuild spy networks in China after a devastating counterintelligence loss of its recruited-agent networks there more than a decade ago, CIA Director William Burns disclosed Thursday.
U.S. uses sanctions to deny China tools for brain warfare, toxin weapons
July 20, 2023
The U.S. government is employing sanctions and export controls to limit China's military buildup, including development of brain warfare and toxin weapons, a senior Commerce Department official told Congress on Thursday.
'Impossible' to transform China, Kissinger told on Beijing visit
July 19, 2023
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger visited China this week for meetings with senior officials and was told that any Western effort to transform China or encircle the country was "impossible."
U.S. stumped by mysterious absence of Chinese foreign minister
July 19, 2023
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is missing from public view and his whereabouts are a mystery to the U.S. government, a senior Biden administration official said.
White House Asia policy chief: Communism drives new Xi policies
July 17, 2023
Chinese communist ideology has become the driving force behind President Xi Jinping's campaign to make the regime the world's dominant power, according to the White House's most senior China affairs policymaker.
Trump adviser targeted in Chinese-funded plot to push pro-Beijing policies, U.S. says
July 11, 2023
A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen who once lived in Maryland has been indicted for serving as a Chinese agent and working with Beijing in a 2016 plot to recruit a senior adviser to President-elect Donald Trump to push pro-China policies.
China's military is leading the world in brain 'neurostrike' weapons: Report
July 6, 2023
China's People's Liberation Army is developing high-technology weapons designed to disrupt brain functions and influence government leaders or entire populations, according to a report by three open-source intelligence analysts.
Vietnam bans Barbie movie over pro-Chinese map of disputed S. China Sea
July 3, 2023
Vietnam's communist government has banned domestic screenings of the forthcoming film "Barbie" over a scene from the movie that shows a map of China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, according to reports from Asia.
Space Force urgently needs counterspace weapons to deter war with China, new study finds
June 29, 2023
The Space Force needs new offensive weapons and more sophisticated defenses to counter China's rapid deployment of multiple space arms that would pose major dangers for the U.S. military in a conflict, according to an extensive study.
House bill directs Pentagon to study wartime naval blockade of China
June 27, 2023
The House version of a major defense authorization bill now working its way through Congress would order Pentagon planners to study the feasibility of imposing a U.S. naval blockade of China to prevent oil shipments from reaching the country in the event of a future conflict.
China's ties to Putin, Kremlin shaken by mercenary uprising
June 26, 2023
China's leadership is closely watching recent events in Russia, concerned that a similar military revolt may erupt in Beijing, a senior White House official said Monday.
Blinken's visit to China fails to restart military-to-military talks
June 20, 2023
A key Biden administration goal for averting a future war with China through greater military-to-military exchanges went unmet as Chinese officials refused to reopen the communications channel during recent top-level talks in Beijing.
China conducts nighttime bomber sorties around Taiwan
June 19, 2023
China's military this week carried out nighttime bomber missions around Taiwan, flights that coincided with the visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chinese state media reported Monday.
Navy at risk of losing submarine edge to advanced undersea defenses by China and Russia
June 8, 2023
Advances in undersea warfare and defenses by China and Russia are endangering the key strategic ability of U.S. Navy nuclear attack submarines to deter a war in the Taiwan Strait or track adversarial missile submarines, according to a report by two experts on American defense capabilities.
New Cold War? U.S., China defense chiefs square off in Singapore
June 6, 2023
U.S. and Chinese military leaders squared off at a major security conference in Singapore: Beijing asserted that its forces are ready for war over Taiwan, while U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin chided China for its increasingly aggressive military actions in the region.
U.S. halts Russian arms inspections, data exchange on missile launches
June 1, 2023
Russian arms inspections under the New START arms accord were halted by the Biden administration Thursday in response to Moscow's suspension of the treaty, the State Department said.
Xi tells Communist Party security organs to prepare for 'worst-case' scenarios
June 1, 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged top security officials of the ruling Communist Party this week to modernize the country's national security system and warned them to be ready for "worst-case" scenarios amid growing tensions with the United States.
Indo-Pacific commander warns China's leader on cost of war
May 31, 2023
Adm. John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific command, recently warned Chinese President Xi Jinping that any attempt to take Taiwan by force would result in massive losses of "blood and treasure" for China.
Guardians of diversity? State Department seeks gender equality, inclusion in space
May 30, 2023
The State Department unveiled a new space diplomacy strategy on Tuesday in a bid to counter efforts by China and Russia to militarize space and challenge U.S. power.
U.S. sanctions Chinese, Mexicans over scheme to make fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills
May 30, 2023
The U.S. government on Tuesday imposed sanctions on 17 entities from China and Mexico for their alleged role in producing illicit fentanyl that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans through drug overdoses.
China's growing arsenal boosts risk of nuclear war, study says
May 29, 2023
China's rapid large-scale buildup of nuclear missiles, submarines, bombers, including an orbiting nuclear strike weapon, is increasing the danger of nuclear war, according to a study.
China dismisses Biden statement on a coming thaw in U.S.-China relations
May 18, 2023
China's government has rejected President Biden's assertion that a thaw in tense U.S.-China relations is coming soon, with Beijing demanding an end to sanctions on Chinese officials and companies, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
China arrests stand-up comedian for joke about its military
May 18, 2023
China's military can't take a joke. The Communist government in Beijing took action against a stand-up comic who made fun of the People's Liberation Army during a recent comedy routine, according to reports from Asia.
NORAD says Russian nuclear bombers tracked near Alaska were not a threat
May 17, 2023
The U.S.-Canadian air defense command is downplaying two recent Russian military encounters near Alaska as nonthreatening -- despite one intrusion that included nuclear-capable bombers.
China sentences U.S. citizen to life in prison on espionage charges
May 15, 2023
A 78-year-old U.S. citizen has been sentenced to life in prison on espionage charges, Chinese state media reported Monday.
China expands targeting of U.S with Russian-style covert influence operations
May 12, 2023
China's government is expanding the use of covert influence operations targeting the United States and is expected to exploit the White House-congressional clash over the debt limit crisis as part of growing anti-U.S. activities, the director of national intelligence said.
Taiwan ambassador: China a threat, but island still open for business
May 9, 2023
Taiwan's democracy is confronting both military and "gray zone" information warfare threats from China and is adopting asymmetric weapons to defend itself, the country's unofficial ambassador to the United States said in an interview.
Risk of war with China over Taiwan is real, intel leaders warn
April 25, 2023
Threats from China and the potential of a war over Taiwan pose real dangers for the U.S., two top intelligence officials said during an annual briefing to Congress on Thursday.
U.S. to protect Philippines navy, coast guard ships from China under defense pact
May 1, 2023
U.S. forces will defend Philippines coast guard vessels used to resupply an unusual sea base in the disputed South China Sea under a U.S.-Philippines defense treaty, the State Department said.
U.S. nuclear missile sub seen in Guam on possible trip to South Korea
April 27, 2023
A U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear submarine arrived at the U.S. island of Guam recently and could be the first such submarine to sail to South Korea since the 1980s, under an agreement announced by Seoul and Washington on Wednesday.
Second House panel investigating China's U.S. police stations
April 25, 2023
The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee wants the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to provide more information on suspected Chinese government police stations and other malign activities by Beijing in the United States.
Pentagon leak says China conducted first operation with new helicopter carrier
April 24, 2023
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were briefed on intelligence regarding a new Chinese helicopter aircraft carrier that is poised to be a significant tool for Beijing's plan to project power in the region, according to a leaked Pentagon document.
Treasury Secretary Yellen extends olive branch with China policy speech
April 21, 2023
The Biden administration's top voice on economic policy called this week for a return to policies of greater economic and other engagement with China, despite Beijing's shift from market reforms and rising anti-U.S. sentiment in Beijing.
U.S. admiral: Risk of war with China is growing
April 18, 2023
The risk of a conflict with China is increasing as a result of aggressive activities by Beijing, the admiral in charge of U.S. forces in the Pacific told Congress on Tuesday.
U.S. Navy warship transits Taiwan Strait, in first passage since major Chinese drills
April 17, 2023
A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday a week after Beijing announced its coast guard dispatched a large ship to inspect vessels in the disputed waterway.
Russian space war prowess showcased in Ukraine conflict
April 14, 2023
Russia's military has deployed several cutting-edge space warfare tools during its nearly 15-month war in Ukraine, using its space assets for intelligence operations and to limit the Ukrainian military's battlefield command and control, according to a new report.
China's 'united front' influence operations seek to undermine American society, report warns
April 14, 2023
China's ruling Communist Party is engaged in systematic efforts to undermine American and Western societies through the operations of a party organ called the United Front Work Department, according to an extensive new think tank report.
Navy conducts warship passage in South China Sea amid Beijing tensions
April 10, 2023
A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer sailed through a disputed area of the South China Sea on Monday, pushing back against territorial claims by China amid rising bilateral tensions, the 7th Fleet said in a statement.
Russian defector describes Putin as a paranoid war criminal
April 9, 2023
Russian President Vladimir Putin gets his information from intelligence reports and does not use a handheld device for communications, according to a former Federal Guard Service engineer who recently defected from Russia.
Military expert warns China is waging low-level war on America
April 7, 2023
Chinese military forces increased aerial and warship activity near Taiwan on The United States urgently needs to counter an ongoing, undeclared political war being waged by China, according to a new book by a retired Marine colonel and China expert.
China steps up incursions near Taiwan prior to Tsai-McCarthy meeting
April 4, 2023
Chinese military forces increased aerial and warship activity near Taiwan on Tuesday, one day before House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is set to meet the island's president in California, according to Taiwan defense authorities.
Protecting farmland: America pressed to weed China out of U.S. agriculture acreage
April 2, 2023
China's government is systematically buying U.S. farmland as part of a strategy to meet soaring domestic demand and bolster an agricultural sector beset by decreasing arable land and polluted water.
China poses 'existential' threat more dangerous than Soviet Union during Cold War: Report
April 2, 2023
The United States is engaged in a new Cold War with China and needs to counter the "existential" threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party to the United States and the world order it leads, according to a major new report by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank.
White House Indo-Pac point man Campbell says China ties enter new phase of competition
March 30, 2023
Heightened tensions between the United States and China reflect a new phase of relations between the two powerful states, a senior White House official said Thursday.
State Department rejects Russian suspension of New START nuclear arms treaty
March 17, 2023
The State Department is rejecting Russia's suspension of the last Cold War nuclear arms treaty, saying the Kremlin's move is illegal.
Chinese military commanders refuse talks with U.S. admiral
March 16, 2023
Two Chinese military commanders are refusing to consult with the commander of the Pentagon's Indo-Pacific Command amid rising tensions between the two militaries, Adm. John C. Aquilino, the U.S. Pacific commander said Thursday in Singapore.
China, Russia deploying space weapons to attack U.S. satellites, warns Space Force chief
March 14, 2023
China's military has deployed 347 satellites, including 35 launched in the past six months, to target U.S. forces in a future conflict, the commander of the Space Force told a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
U.S., Britain commit to deploying nuclear subs to Australia with a eye to China's growth
March 13, 2023
The United States and Britain will deploy nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia as part of the mini-alliance known as AUKUS, and Australia will buy up to five of the Navy's frontline Virginia-class nuclear submarines in the coming years, the Biden administration disclosed on Monday.
China outpacing U.S. in hypersonic missiles, Defense Intelligence Agency warns
March 10, 2023
China's military is deploying ultra-high-speed missiles at a rate that poses an increasing threat of nuclear and conventional attacks on the United States, a senior Defense Intelligence Agency official told Congress on Friday.
Pentagon says Russia supplying fuel for Chinese nuclear warheads
March 8, 2023
The Pentagon expressed concern Wednesday that Russia is supplying uranium for Chinese reactors that are producing plutonium for warheads as part of Beijing large-scale nuclear build-up.
Chinese foreign minister warns U.S. policies pushing countries toward war
March 7, 2023
China's foreign minister said Tuesday that U.S. efforts to contain and pressure his country will lead to confrontation and conflict unless Washington changes its policies.
Construction begins on Nevada lithium mine despite fierce legal battles
March 4, 2023
A construction firm has pushed aside legal roadblocks and begun work on what is being called America's largest lithium mine, a project backed by the Biden administration but opposed by leftist environmentalist groups and some American Indians.
Code Pink protesters disrupt inaugural House China committee hearing
Feb. 28, 2023
Two Code Pink activists attempted to disrupt the inaugural hearing of a House select committee on the Chinese Communist Party and were escorted out by security officials.
Hill Republicans fault Biden administration efforts to meet China threats
Feb. 28, 2023
The Commerce Department approved sales of sensitive U.S. technology to China worth $23 billion during a six-month period last year, despite an announced policy by the Biden administration to prevent American know-how from being used to bolster the Chinese military.
Navy intel chief warns the U.S. is naive about threat from China
Feb. 27, 2023
American political leaders and the general population are suffering from "China blindness," failing to understand the nature of the threat to U.S. security posed by the communist regime, according to the admiral in charge of naval intelligence.
Attacks on U.S. electric power grid expected to grow
Feb. 23, 2023
Service-disrupting attacks on the U.S. electrical power grid are expected to increase in the coming years, a new report by a leading industry group is warning.
Pompeo's memoir details dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward China
Feb. 21, 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping is the world's "most dangerous" leader and ultimately wants to rule the world, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo writes in a new memoir detailing his four years as a top intelligence and diplomatic voice in the Trump administration.
Russian suspension of New START latest blow to Biden's arms control hopes
Feb. 21, 2023
President Vladimir Putin's announcement Tuesday that Russia was "suspending" its adherence to the New START arms treaty is the latest blow to the Biden administration's battered arms control agenda.
Biden administration backs curbs on military artificial intelligence uses
Feb. 16, 2023
The Biden administration on Thursday announced a proposed arms control agreement to limit the use of artificial intelligence and autonomy for the world's military forces and weapons systems.
Rising red threat as China now outpaces U.S. in intercontinental-ballistic missile launchers
Feb. 12, 2023
Senior Republicans on the House and Senate Armed Services committees disclosed last week that China's rapidly expanding nuclear forces now exceed the number of U.S. intercontinental-ballistic missile launchers, with little indication that Beijing plans to slow the buildup of its strategic forces.
Chinese military confirms snub of U.S. Defense Secretary Austin's call over balloon
Feb. 9, 2023
China's Defense Ministry acknowledged Thursday it refused to accept a phone call from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following the shootdown of a surveillance balloon over the Atlantic last week.
Balloons serve multiple roles in Chinese warfare
Feb. 6, 2023
China's People's Liberation Army plans to use high-altitude balloons to counter long-range U.S. drones, launch psychological warfare operations and gather intelligence, a review of Chinese military and technical writings reveals.
China: U.S. violated 'international practice' in shooting down spy balloon
Feb. 5, 2023
China expressed outrage Sunday over the U.S. military's shooting down a day earlier of a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina, as the Navy began retrieving wreckage from the Atlantic Ocean and the political rhetoric ramped up in Washington.
White House calls Chinese balloon flight over U.S. 'unacceptable' violation of sovereignty
Feb. 3, 2023
The Biden administration on Friday said China's dispatch of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over American airspace violated U.S. sovereignty and was "unacceptable," brushing aside a Chinese apology and Beijing's claim that the high-altitude aerostat was an errant weather balloon.
China held Taiwan war council in October, general's memo reveals
Feb. 2, 2023
The four-star Air Force general who predicted a likely war with China within two years also revealed in his memo that Chinese President Xi Jinping has convened a "war council" of senior military leaders on Taiwan.
U.S. says Russia violating last major arms treaty
Jan. 31, 2022
The Biden administration on Tuesday formally accused Russia of violating the New START arms treaty over what it said was Moscow's failure to allow inspections of weapons sites or agree to meetings on treaty disputes.
Global militaries go on shopping spree at U.S. arms expo, spurred by threats from China and Russia
Jan. 23, 2022
Russia's war in Ukraine and China's growing threats against Taiwan have sent militaries from both regions on shopping sprees in an unlikely locale: the No. 1 gambling destination in the U.S.
No kickbacks: A high-tech recoilless rifle could be in the Army's future
Jan. 19, 2022
LAS VEGAS -- Army troops in the future may very well go into combat armed with a high-technology rifle that produces almost no kick and can be outfitted with electronics capable of seeing around corners, according to the co-inventors.
Nimitz carrier strike group sails in disputed South China Sea
Jan. 13, 2022
An aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Nimitz is conducting operations in the disputed South China Sea, including practice strike missions by aircraft, the Navy disclosed Friday.
China's military threatens Taiwan takeover in music video
Jan. 13, 2022
China's military released a music video this week highlighting stepped-up operations by Chinese warplanes and warships around Taiwan.
U.S. defeats China in simulated war over Taiwan, but costs are high, says new study on risks
Jan. 9, 2022
A sophisticated new study of a simulated war between China and the U.S. over Taiwan reveals Chinese forces would be defeated in the conflict but with a high cost in casualties and heavy losses of U.S. and allied large ships and aircraft, according to a think tank report made public Monday.
How China pirated U.S. technology to rapidly expand its nuclear weapon arsenal
Jan. 5, 2022
Beijing's rapid buildup of nuclear forces has been assisted by American nuclear and missile technology obtained by Chinese spies and through U.S. space and nuclear cooperation in the 1990s, according to a review of Chinese technology records and internal U.S. government documents.
U.S. Navy warship sails through Taiwan Strait amid rising tensions
Jan. 5, 2022
A U.S. Navy warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday in what Pentagon officials said was a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to keep the waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China open to international traffic.
U.S. rejects China's claim American pilot to blame for near collision over South China Sea
Jan. 3, 2023
The Chinese military jet pilot who nearly collided with a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft last month was solely responsible for the dangerous encounter, a spokesman for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Tuesday
China's nukes use U.S. technology
Jan. 3, 2023
Beijing's rapid buildup of nuclear forces has been assisted by American nuclear and missile technology obtained by Chinese spies and through U.S. space and nuclear cooperation in the 1990s, according to a review of Chinese technology records and internal U.S. government documents.
Once-secret files reveal new details of CIA's divisive defector dispute
Jan. 1, 2023
Once-secret government documents reveal long-hidden details on one of the CIA's most prominent Cold War controversies, involving defecting Soviet intelligence agents and U.S. counterspy programs targeting the Kremlin's strategic deception operations against the West.
A red threat lurking beneath the sea: China dramatically ramping up submarine fleet
Jan. 1, 2023
China's military is building up its submarine forces as a priority for its large-scale military modernization, according to the latest annual Pentagon report on the Chinese military.
China sanctions former State Department official, congressional aide
Dec. 22, 2022
China on Friday slapped sanctions on two Americans, a former senior State Department official and a congressional aide, according to state media.
How China has been thrust into the crosshairs of U.S. intelligence agencies
Dec. 18, 2022
The 2023 fiscal intelligence authorization bill now in the final stages in Congress includes many provisions related to China, including a requirement for U.S. intelligence agencies to produce an annual report on Chinese influence operations in the United States.
Indictment reveals details of alleged aircraft carrier pilot training for China by ex-Marine
Dec. 15, 2022
A former Marine Corps and Navy pilot was charged with illegally providing aircraft carrier flight training to Chinese military pilots, according to court papers in the case of Daniel Duggan.
NSA warns of Chinese state hackers targeting
Dec. 13, 2022
The National Security Agency sent companies a warning notice Tuesday that Chinese state-linked cyberspies are targeting the multinational cloud-computing firm Citrix.
Navy denies curtailing warships, reconnaissance in South China Sea
Dec. 12, 2022
The Navy is not cutting back on warship passages or aerial and naval reconnaissance operations in the South China Sea, according to a spokeswoman for the Pacific Fleet, despite new claims by Chinese press outlets.
Virus hunter for EcoHealth Alliance says COVID-19 leaked from Chinese lab
Dec. 11, 2022
A scientist who once worked at the U.S. nongovernmental organization involved in risky virus research in China says he believes the COVID-19 pandemic began as the result of a leak from a controversial Wuhan laboratory.
China nuclear force exceeds U.S. arsenal in some areas, Strategic Command warns
Dec. 8, 2022
The commander of the U.S. Strategic Command recently notified Congress that China's military has passed the U.S. in at least one of three areas -- the number of nuclear warheads, strategic missiles or launchers, according to a letter from lawmakers to the chief of America's nuclear arsenal.
Pentagon urged to build advanced defenses against growing cruise, hypersonic missile threats to U.S.
Dec. 5, 2022
Rapid advances in Chinese hypersonic missiles and Russian cruise missiles pose major threats to critical infrastructure in the United States and the Pentagon needs to prepare better defenses for the homeland, according to a new report by the Pentagon's Defense Science Board.
Space race 2.0: China is building weapons to attack U.S. 'ground, sea, or air targets from orbit'
Dec. 4, 2022
China is rapidly building a large force of space weapons, including sophisticated anti-satellite missiles, lasers, jammers, orbiting killer robots and cybertools, to "blind and deafen" a war enemy, the U.S. military is warning.
China rapidly building space arms to 'blind and deafen' U.S. military, Pentagon says
Dec. 1, 2022
China's military is rapidly building a large force of space weapons, including sophisticated anti-satellite missiles, lasers, jammers, orbiting killer robots and cyber tools, designed to "blind and deafen" the American military in a future war, the U.S. military is warning.
Drones will now be 'uncrewed,' not 'unmanned' in Pentagon shift
Nov. 30, 2022
The Pentagon is subbing out the use of the term "unmanned" in a nod to political correctness and will henceforth refer to "uncrewed" drones and other autonomous weapons. The change appears in the Pentagon's latest annual report to Congress on the Chinese military made public this week.
Navy warship sails near advanced Chinese weapons outpost in South China Sea
Nov. 29, 2022
A U.S. Navy warship sailed near some of the Chinese military's most advanced weapons outposts in the South China Sea on Tuesday, drawing a sharp rebuke from Beijing.
China on pace to match U.S. nuclear stockpile by 2035, Pentagon warns
Nov. 29, 2022
The Chinese military's rapid buildup is on pace to reach 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035 - nearly the number of current U.S.-deployed warheads, the Pentagon said in a survey of Chinese military power revealed Tuesday.
China doubles down on harsh COVID controls and tries to end protests
Nov. 29, 2022
China's government on Tuesday signaled that it is not backing down in the face of angry nationwide protests against President Xi Jinping's strict zero-COVID policies, the country's state media reported Tuesday.
China hones skills to rival U.S. as cyber superpower, 10 times more troops than U.S. Cyber Command
Nov. 17, 2022
China's cyberspace operations were once considered "sloppy," but its online capabilities have grown rapidly over the past decade into a dangerous threat regarded as equal to U.S. military digital skills, a congressional report warns.
Tough talk: China tells U.S. to take a hike when it comes to Taiwan
Nov. 17, 2022
President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping presented sharply diverging views on the future of U.S.-Chinese relations during three hours of closed-door talks Monday. The dynamic of the meeting, preceded by a warm handshake, quickly became clear: The American president sought a return to greater bilateral engagement while the Chinese leader bluntly warned the United States to back off and not to cross its "red lines" regarding Taiwan and other issues.
British spy chief says Chinese engaged in long-term agent recruitment
Nov. 17, 2022
Britain's domestic intelligence chief warned this week that Chinese intelligence agents are grooming British citizens as spies as part of influence operations that can stretch over years and even decades.
Commission report reveals China's plan for war on Taiwan
Nov. 15, 2022
China is increasing plans for military, economic and political warfare against Taiwan, and the U.S. government needs to step up preparations and planning to respond to a future war across the Taiwan Strait, according to a report by a congressional China commission.
Biden pushes engagement as Xi hails 'new era' of Chinese power
Nov. 14, 2022
President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping presented sharply diverging views on the future of U.S.-Chinese relations during three hours of closed-door talks Monday. The dynamic of the meeting, preceded by a warm handshake, quickly became clear: The American president sought a return to greater bilateral engagement while the Chinese leader bluntly warned the United States to back off and not to cross its "red lines" regarding Taiwan and other issues.
DNI: China expands use of cyber repression to control population
Nov. 10, 2022
China is using cyberattacks, influence operations and mass data theft to extend repressive authoritarian controls over its population and throughout the world, according to a newly declassified U.S. intelligence report.
Major conflict with China 'is coming,' outgoing Strategic Command chief warns
Nov. 7, 2022
China is increasing its nuclear forces more rapidly than American analysts anticipated, according to the outgoing commander of the Pentagon's Strategic Command, who warns that Beijing is in the midst of a "breakout" buildup of forces.
Biden strategy shift limits role of nuclear arms as China, Russia expand arsenals
Oct. 27, 2022
The Biden administration has quietly reduced the role of nuclear weapons in American defense strategy by eliminating a decades-long policy of using nuclear arms to hedge against future developments and threats.
Senate GOP report backs Wuhan lab leak as COVID-19 origin
Oct. 27, 2022
The COVID-19 virus most likely originated from a government laboratory in Wuhan, China, and not from a wild animal, according to a new report by Republicans on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
New British prime minister vows to counter Chinese communist threats
Oct. 25, 2022
Britain's new prime minister says that China poses the largest threat to the country and the world, and has outlined plans to shut down controversial Chinese cultural institutes that critics say are used to promote Beijing propaganda and influence activities.
Threat to undersea cable in Hawaii highlights danger of future internet disruptions
Oct. 22, 2022
HONOLULU -- Federal security officials working an investigation on the Dark Web made an alarming discovery last April. A hacker obtained login credentials for a server at a telecommunications company in Hawaii with access to an undersea communications cable.
Former Chinese leader removed from Party congress
Oct. 22, 2022
Former Chinese President Hu Jintao was escorted out of a major session of the Chinese Communist Party on Saturday in a humiliating display of internal tensions within the ruling communist regime in Beijing.
U.S. military bases in Hawaii without water after water main break
Oct. 20, 2022
HONOLULU -- Several U.S. military bases here, including the headquarters of the Indo-Pacific Command, are without water after a water main break disrupted service to more than 90,000 service members and family, according to military officials. The water main broke Friday and repairs to the 36-inch pipe are expected to last a week.
Pacific Fleet admiral: No ambiguity in U.S, allies' ability to defend Taiwan
Oct. 19, 2022
The commander of the world's largest naval force component says there should be no ambiguity about the operational capabilities of the U.S. Navy's warships and other naval forces to defend Taiwan from a Chinese attack.
Beijing police mobilize as rare public protest mars preparations for Xi-dominated party congress
Oct. 13, 2022
Police in Beijing mobilized after a rare public protest against Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday, as officials stepped up internet censorship days before a major Chinese Communist Party conference.
British intel chief: China threatens democratic order with fear, coercion and technology
Oct. 11, 2022
China is using a combination of fear, coercion and advanced technology to reshape the world according to its anti-democratic system, the head of Britain's electronic spy agency warned Tuesday.
U.S. sensors unable to track Chinese, Russian hypersonic missiles, says congressional report
Oct. 11, 2022
U.S. radars are unable to track Chinese and Russian high-speed missiles until late in their flight, even as new systems are being developed as part of the Pentagon's accelerated hypersonic missile defense program, according to a congressional report.
Chairman Xi? Party congress set to hand Chinese leader unprecedented power
Oct. 9, 2022
Xi Jinping has amassed unchecked power in the past decade. Now a Communist Party congress that opens Sunday in Beijing is poised to grant the Chinese president and party general secretary an unprecedented third five-year term in office despite a slowing economy and mounting domestic unrest over his zero-COVID health restrictions.
Chinese Embassy tries to silence Pompeo broadcasts into China
Oct. 4, 2022
China's government is seeking to silence former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for comments critical of the ruling Communist Party made during a new series of broadcasts that seek to speak directly to the Chinese people.
San Francisco celebrates Chinese communism in flag-raising to honor founding of nation
Oct. 3, 2022
San Francisco's government raised the Chinese flag over city hall last week to mark the founding of the People's Republic of China 73 years ago.
Chinese police post U.S. sites to coerce nationals
Oct. 3, 2022
China has developed a network of overseas "police stations" to conduct covert operations aimed at forcing Chinese nationals, mostly political dissidents wanted by Beijing, to return to China, according to a report by a human rights group.
Chinese espionage, cyber programs pose major counterintelligence threat, Senate report warns
Oct. 2, 2022
China's human spying, cyber espionage and more recently covert disinformation operations are a "600-pound gorilla in the room" of foreign counterintelligence threats, according to a Senate report on the growing problem of adversary spying.
Chinese, Russian warships spotted sailing near Alaskan island
Sept. 26, 2022
Chinese and Russian warships conducted a joint patrol near Alaska last week and prompted a Coast Guard cutter and C-130 transport to monitor the ship movements, Coast Guard officials have revealed.
Former Los Alamos nuclear scientists aid China's advanced weapons, private study says
Sept. 22, 2022
The Chinese government targeted scientists at the Los Alamos nuclear laboratory for recruitment, with more than 160 researchers returning to China over more than three decades to help nuclear and other advanced weapons programs there, according to a new report by a private security and intelligence firm.
House Republican seeks Treasury reports on 'millions' paid by Chinese company to Biden family
Sept. 22, 2022
A senior House Republican wants the Treasury Department to turn over all suspicious activity reports on dealings between President Biden and his family and a Chinese business linked to the government.
U.S. Pacific fleet commander warns expanding Chinese military could now blockade Taiwan
Sept. 20, 2022
China now boasts a large navy with enough surface warships to blockade rival Taiwan, according to the commander of the U.S. Navy's frontline fleet.
State Department watchdog gives failing grade to new counter-disinformation center
Sept. 19, 2022
The State Department unit devoted to countering disinformation and propaganda is failing to take the lead on government-wide efforts to expose foreign lies and deception, according to a new survey by the department's internal inspector general.
U.S. commanders wary of growing nuclear alliance between China and Russia
Sept. 18, 2022
The growing ties between China and Russia are sparking new fears among U.S. war planners that the nuclear powers will soon pose a unified nuclear threat, the Air Force general nominated to head the nation's nuclear deterrence arsenal told Congress.
Xi, Putin pledge unity to fight U.S. dominance
Sept. 15, 2022
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to forge closer ties during a summit in Central Asia on Thursday that included a discussion of Chinese support for Russia's troubled invasion of Ukraine and Russian support for Beijing’s claims to Taiwan.
Space Force nominee warns Chinese weapons can destroy U.S. satellites
Sept. 14, 2022
China's military has developed space weapons capable of disrupting and destroying American satellites in all orbits, the nominee for senior leader of the Space Force warned Congress.
Russia flies reconnaissance aircraft in restricted zone near Alaska, NORAD planes scrambled
Sept. 12, 2022
Russia's military marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by dispatching two military reconnaissance aircraft near Alaska on Sunday, the U.S. and Canadian militaries disclosed Monday.
Pentagon tests multi-warhead ICBM after delays
Sept. 8, 2022
The Air Force has flight-tested a Minuteman III ballistic missile that practiced launching multiple nuclear warheads, after twice delaying the exercise amid tensions with global rivals.
U.S. indicts two Marshall Islands nationals in China-linked bribery scheme
Sept. 6, 2022
Two Marshall Islands nationals of Chinese descent were indicted by the Justice Department on charges of bribing government officials of the Pacific island-state with funds from China.
China shuts down counter-drug talks with U.S., fueling fears of more overdose deaths
Aug. 31, 2022
China's decision to suspend counternarcotics cooperation with the United States to protest a high-profile congressional visit to Taiwan is fueling fears of a sharp increase in overdose deaths from Chinese-supplied stocks of fentanyl.
Taiwan Strait war could lead to undersea internet cables cutoff, costly shipping disruptions: Report
Aug. 29, 2022
War between China and Taiwan could lead to a break of undersea communications cables and costly delays in moving shipping containers through the region, according to a think tank report made public Monday.
State Department: China using artificial intelligence programs to blunt criticism of Uyghur policies
Aug. 24, 2022
China is engaged in a global influence and disinformation campaign, including the use of artificial intelligence-generated fake images, aimed at countering reports of repression against minority Uyghurs, according to a State Department report made public Wednesday.
Commerce sanctions Chinese aerospace companies for military ties
Aug. 23, 2022
Seven Chinese aerospace companies were added to the Commerce Department blacklist Tuesday for ties to China's large-scale military modernization program.
Navy awards $4.4 billion contract to Johns Hopkins physics lab
Aug. 22, 2022
The Pentagon announced on Monday that the Navy awarded a $4.4 billion contract to the Advanced Physics Laboratory (APL) at Johns Hopkins University for defense and strategic systems work.
China ramps up pressure on Taiwan after controversial U.S. visits
Aug. 22, 2022
Chinese naval forces showed no signs of let-up Monday against Taiwan, flying warplanes again close to the self-ruled island days after a pair of controversial U.S. congressional visits that infuriated Beijing.
VOA cancels Chinese-language programs on Taiwan
Aug. 18, 2022
Voice of America is canceling two Chinese-language programs focused on the standoff between China and Taiwan in a move critics say signals a softening of the broadcaster's coverage of communist China.
U.S. Indo-Pacific commander warns about Chinese nuclear buildup
Aug. 16, 2022
The commander of American military forces in the Pacific is pushing back against Chinese government claims that a three-nation pact to build nuclear submarines for Australia poses a danger of nuclear weapons proliferation.
China renews war games around Taiwan after congressional delegation's visit
Aug. 15, 2022
China's military is continuing provocative military exercises that U.S. officials say are intended to coerce and intimidate Taiwan, a key regional ally.
Chinese companies probed by U.S. to delist from New York Stock Exchange
Aug. 12, 2022
Five major Chinese state-owned companies, including oil producers Sinopec and PetroChina, announced Friday they will no longer list their stock for trading with the New York Stock Exchange amid U.S. investigations of their audit and disclosure policies.
China's Wuhan institute studied deadly bioterrorism agent, Congress told
Aug. 9, 2022
China's Wuhan Institute of Virology, where the COVID-19 pandemic may have started, conducted work on a deadlier virus with a 60% lethality rate, according to recent Senate testimony.
China's 'breathtaking' nuclear arms push a rising challenge, Stratcom chief says
July 28, 2022
China is expanding its nuclear forces at a "breathtaking" pace, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command warned in urging for strengthened U.S. nuclear deterrence against the danger.
U.S. Army reboots, reorients to confront China, back allies in region
July 27, 2022
The U.S. Army is building up forces and international ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region to counter growing Chinese aggression and strengthen nervous regional allies, the commander of the U.S. Army Pacific said in an interview.
Biden administration preps Taiwan for Chinese attack after Ukraine invasion
July 22, 2022
ASPEN, Colo. -- The Biden administration is bolstering U.S. arms production to sustain the war in Ukraine and to support Taiwan in preparing to fend off a future Russian-style invasion from China, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.
Russia tests U.S. air defenses in midst of Ukraine war
July 22, 2022
ASPEN, Colo. -- Two Russian maritime patrol aircraft tested the U.S. and Canadian air defense zone two weeks ago in a show of force in the midst of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine and nuclear saber-rattling, the commander of the Northern Command said Friday.
Western nations grow alarmed at China's increasing threats
July 21, 2022
ASPEN, Colo. -- Britain's storied MI6 foreign intelligence service has retooled its operations with a major focus on the threat posed by China, the agency's director said in rare public remarks Thursday.
British intelligence retools for spying on China
July 21, 2022
Britain's MI6 foreign intelligence service has retooled the storied spy agency with a major focus on the threat posed by China, the agency's director said in rare public remarks Thursday.
CIA chief: China set for takeover of Taiwan in next few years
July 21, 2022
Chinese President Xi Jinping is determined to take control of Taiwan but is studying the lessons of Russian military shortfalls in Ukraine before taking action, CIA Director William Burns said Wednesday.
China is not the Soviet Union, Beijing's ambassador tells security conference
July 20, 2022
The Chinese Communist Party is not like its predecessor in the Soviet Union and thus there should be no new Cold War between the United States and China, China's ambassador to the United States said Wednesday.
U.S., China clash again over territorial disputes in South China Sea
July 18, 2022
A Navy guided-missile destroyer conducted a second freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea three days after sailing near disputed islands in the northern part of the sea, the Navy's Seventh Fleet said.
Navy warship marks S. China Sea ruling anniversary
July 13, 2022
A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer this week helped mark the sixth anniversary of a landmark international tribunal ruling declaring the South China Sea to be international waters and not a Chinese lake.
Indictment reveals new details of Chinese targeting of dissidents
July 11, 2022
China's government used American private investigators to harass dissidents in the United States, according to a federal indictment of five people made public last week.
China steps up influence operations of state, local officials, U.S. agency's report says
July 7, 2022
China is increasingly targeting American state and local officials in influence operations designed to further the objectives of the ruling Communist Party, according to a new report by a U.S. counterintelligence agency.
Hill panel OKs funding ban for U.S. group linked to Chinese lab at center of COVID controversy
July 5, 2022
A House appropriations panel has approved an amendment to a major spending bill working its way through Congress that would ban funding for work in China by a New York-based group linked to suspect virus research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
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