"Winning the Competition with China is Key to National Security"
"Top Priorities are China, Technology, Information Personnel, and Partnerships"
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] William Burns, the nominee for Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), stated that competition with China is central to U.S. national security, indicating that U.S. intelligence agencies will align with the Biden administration's tough stance on China. He also emphasized that Russia should not be underestimated and declared that vigilance against nuclear threats and terrorism from North Korea and Iran will not be relaxed.
According to foreign media including CNN, on the 24th (local time), during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Burns described "Xi Jinping's China as a formidable authoritarian adversary" and said, "Gaining the upper hand in competition with a hostile and predatory China is the core of national security for the coming decades." He added, "My top priorities are China, technology, intelligence personnel, and partnerships," emphasizing that under the Biden administration's tough China policy, U.S. intelligence agencies will prioritize vigilance against China.
Burns also stated that vigilance against Russia cannot be relaxed. He said, "Russia under Putin should not be underestimated," and stressed, "It is important to be resilient and consistent in countering and deterring the Russian threat, and it is also very important to cooperate as much as possible with allies and partners."
He mentioned the nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran as well. Burns explained, "We live in a world where familiar threats persist, including aggressive Russia, provocative North Korea, and hostile Iran in terms of terrorism and nuclear proliferation," adding, "Climate change, health issues, and cyber threats are also new challenges."
Meanwhile, Burns, nominated as the first CIA Director under the Biden administration, is a diplomat with 33 years of experience who previously served as Deputy Secretary of State under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the Barack Obama administration in 2011. He has served as Ambassador to Jordan, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and Ambassador to Russia, and is regarded as a veteran expert in U.S. diplomatic and security affairs.
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