Senator Tom Cotton warns that China’s activities pose an existential threat to the U.S., citing military buildup and influence operations. He criticizes the current U.S. intelligence framework as inadequate in addressing these challenges, particularly regarding threats from Iran and drug cartels. Recent communications scandals highlight the need for better operational security and intelligence priorities.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton has recently issued a serious warning regarding Communist China’s influence and activities, describing them as posing an “existential” threat to the United States. In his remarks during the Senate’s annual Worldwide Threat Assessment hearing, Cotton, who serves as the chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed significant concerns about China’s escalating military pursuits and their potential impacts on global security.

Senator Cotton emphasized that China is intent on usurping the U.S. as the predominant global superpower. He characterized the country’s strategies as utilizing coercive military, economic, and influence operations designed to shift the global landscape to its advantage while undermining U.S. interests. He detailed these tactics, which include an unprecedented peacetime military buildup, nuclear force expansion, supporting Russia against U.S. sanctions, and fostering the spread of drugs like fentanyl in America, showcasing a multi-faceted approach to global influence.

Cotton criticized the U.S. intelligence community, asserting it is inadequate in providing essential information needed by President Donald Trump and Congress to safeguard national security. He highlighted Iran as a continuing threat, claiming the nation seeks to destroy the U.S. and Israel and is developing surrogate networks within the U.S. as potential threats to citizens. He noted that Iran’s advancements in space-launch technology could disguise a burgeoning intercontinental ballistic missile program.

During the hearing, Cotton pointed out the significant toll of foreign drug actors, particularly the Mexican cartel, implicating them as notable threats to U.S. safety. He reported that over 52,000 American casualties were attributed to illegal drugs in 2024, prompting concerns about the effectiveness and positioning of U.S. intelligence agencies against these challenges.

Cotton called for a critical reassessment of intelligence priorities, lamenting that agency focuses had shifted towards political agendas rather than the vital mission of intelligence gathering. He insisted that these agencies must return to their essential role of procuring information on adversaries intent on undermining American ideals.

The hearing was notably overshadowed by a report from The Atlantic regarding a group chat between Trump’s national security officials discussing potential military interventions in Yemen. The National Security Council acknowledged the authenticity of the messages while clarifying that classified material was not disseminated. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the National Security Council is investigating how a journalist’s number was included in this secure communications thread.

In the backdrop of these discussions, Leavitt reminded the public of the successful U.S. military actions against Houthi rebels, reinforcing the administration’s focus on achieving tangible results in combating terrorism.

Senator Tom Cotton’s statements underscore the looming threats posed by China and Iran, emphasizing the need for a robust U.S. intelligence framework. He contends that complacency, politicization, and bureaucracy within intelligence agencies must be addressed to effectively counter challenges from adversaries. The recent disclosures about military communications raise concerns about operational security while underscoring the complexities faced by U.S. national security officials. It is evident that maintaining vigilance and prioritizing intelligence duties are imperative for safeguarding the nation.

Original Source: news4sanantonio.com

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