The US government has launched its largest annual military exercise to date amid growing concerns that China is on the cusp of launching a military operation to take control of Taiwan by force. The CIA’s China Mission Center, established in 2021, aims to provide accurate intelligence to policymakers and inform US decisions.
Former CIA Assistant Director Susan Miller warns that Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s plan to reunify Taiwan with mainland China is just the beginning of a broader strategy to replace the US as the world’s leader and influencer. China’s economic and military capabilities pose a significant threat to US national security, including its ability to disrupt power grids and control critical infrastructure.
Miller notes that China has integrated itself into global networks and institutions, posing a challenge to the US-led international order. The CIA mission center’s work focuses on understanding Xi Jinping’s intent and timeline, as well as mitigating the risks posed by China’s growing influence in Africa and other developing countries.
In comparison to Russia, Miller argues that China poses a more integrated threat due to its economic goals and ability to influence global events without resorting to force. The CIA mission center’s efforts aim to improve US intelligence capabilities to counter this growing threat.
Miller also highlights the new friendship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, which raises concerns about potential cooperation on key issues such as Taiwan and Ukraine. She emphasizes the importance of accurate intelligence and strategic thinking in addressing these emerging threats.
The article concludes by highlighting the CIA mission center’s efforts to prioritize China as a key intelligence target and provide expertise-driven analysis on national security issues.
Source: https://www.thecipherbrief.com/getting-inside-the-mind-of-xi-jinping