WASHINGTON (TVBS News) — U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Scott Berrier remarked on Thursday (May 4) that the threat China poses will become even more significant with Xi Jinping at the head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Speaking at the "global threats" hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee, Haines pointed out that the CCP has become "increasingly convinced that it can only fulfill Xi's vision at the expense of U.S. power and influence."
She added that China had demonstrated its strengths through "economic and political coercion" toward other governments.
Berrier added that China is currently the DIA's top priority as it expands its global influence.
He touched on the "multi-domain pressure campaign" China exerted against Taiwan, emphasizing the increased military drills and activities over the last year.
With Xi securing a third term as general secretary of the CPP, Berrier believes China is thus positioned for "further progress on military modernization and operational goals that will challenge the U.S. during the next year and beyond."
