Introduction
The United States faces significant military and cyber threats from China, as highlighted in a recent report by The Office of National US Intelligence [1]. The report underscores China’s advanced cyber capabilities, its ambitions in artificial intelligence [1], and its potential to challenge US infrastructure and security.
Description
China is identified as the foremost military and cyber threat to the United States [1], as outlined in a report by The Office of National US Intelligence published on March 18, 2025 [1]. General Paul Nakasone has echoed this assessment, emphasizing China’s significant cyber capabilities and its ambition to surpass the US as the leading power in artificial intelligence by 2030. The report highlights China’s ability to conduct cyber-attacks on US infrastructure and utilize conventional weapons against the US [1].
Recent cyber incidents [2], particularly the Salt Typhoon attacks, have significantly compromised major telecommunications providers in the US [2], underscoring the vulnerabilities in US critical infrastructure. Analysts indicate that while the US possesses the capability for offensive cyber operations against China, it is ill-prepared for potential retaliatory strikes [2]. The Salt Typhoon group [2], identified as a Chinese state-sponsored actor [2], has been actively mapping US infrastructure and conducting small-scale attacks to test defenses in anticipation of larger strikes [2]. This situation is exacerbated by the fragmented nature of US cybersecurity governance, which has left the private sector to manage its own defenses, often ignoring cyber intrusions due to the high costs of remediation [2].
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is reportedly planning to leverage large cyber language models for disinformation campaigns [1], including creating fake news and imitating personas to facilitate cyber-attacks [1]. The PLA is advancing its military capabilities [1], which include hypersonic weapons [1], stealth aircraft [1], advanced submarines [1], and enhanced cyberwarfare assets [1], alongside a growing nuclear arsenal [1].
The report emphasizes that China is likely to increase military and economic pressure on Taiwan [1], which it claims as its territory [1]. It suggests that the PLA is making progress in developing capabilities to potentially seize Taiwan and deter US military intervention [1]. In contrast [1] [2], the report acknowledges significant domestic challenges facing China [1], such as corruption [1], demographic issues [1], and economic headwinds that could threaten the legitimacy of the ruling Communist Party [1]. China’s economic growth is expected to slow due to low consumer and investor confidence [1], and officials are preparing for increased economic tensions with the US [1].
Furthermore, China’s cybersecurity regulations are robust and have been in place for a longer period [2], providing it with a strategic advantage over the US. As the US continues to grapple with outdated technology and inadequate protections against cyber threats, experts warn that pursuing offensive operations without a solid defensive foundation would be a significant misstep [2], advocating for a balanced approach to cybersecurity that prioritizes defense [2].
Conclusion
The report’s findings highlight the urgent need for the United States to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses and address vulnerabilities in its critical infrastructure. By enhancing its defensive capabilities and fostering a more cohesive cybersecurity governance framework, the US can better mitigate the risks posed by China’s growing cyber and military prowess. Additionally, understanding and addressing China’s domestic challenges may provide strategic opportunities for the US to engage diplomatically and economically, potentially easing tensions and fostering stability in the region.
References
[1] https://www.cybersecurityintelligence.com/blog/china-presents-the-top-cyber-and-military-threat-8344.html
[2] https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/american-cyber-brass-calls-for-retaliatory-strikes-against-china-but-is-the-us-really-ready
