US Intelligence Agencies: "China Hopes for Biden's Election, Russia for Trump's"

Concerns Over Possible US Election Interference by China, Russia, and Iran
No Mention of North Korea's Involvement

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that China hopes for the failure of U.S. President Donald Trump's re-election bid, while Russia is working to ensure the defeat of Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden.

William Evanina, Director of the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), raised concerns about election interference by China, Russia, and Iran in the upcoming November U.S. presidential election in a statement on the 7th (local time).

Director Evanina said, "We are primarily concerned about the ongoing and potential activities of China, Russia, and Iran."

Regarding China, he stated, "China is assessed to prefer that President Trump, whom they view as unpredictable, fails to secure re-election. China has sought to influence the U.S. political environment, pressuring politicians who appear opposed to Chinese interests, and has worked to expand its influence to avoid criticism of China."

About Russia, Evanina said, "Russia is primarily using various means to discredit former Vice President Biden," noting that this aligns with Russia's public criticism of Biden over the Russia policy he pursued during the Barack Obama administration.

He did not rule out the possibility of Iranian election interference but made no mention of North Korea's potential involvement in election interference.