In a recent internal memorandum, CIA Director John Ratcliffe underscored the agency's heightened focus on China, identifying it as the foremost priority.
Ratcliffe emphasized the unprecedented challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, stating, "No adversary in the history of our Nation has presented a more formidable challenge or a more capable strategic competitor than the Chinese Communist Party." This memo, aimed at the CIA's personnel, was shared with Fox News by a senior official within the agency.
According to Fox News, Ratcliffe's communication highlights the necessity for the CIA to bolster its efforts in countering China's global ambitions. "For CIA to continue successfully defending our Nation, we will build upon our strong foundation and pursue with laser-like focus the near-term priorities for CIA that our President and our country demand.
China sits at the very top of that list," Ratcliffe asserted. He further elaborated on the Chinese Communist Party's intent to dominate economically, militarily, and technologically, noting its aggressive competition with the United States on a global scale.
Ratcliffe stressed the importance of the CIA's proactive response to the threats posed by China, advocating for a strategy marked by "urgency, creativity, and grit." He encouraged the agency's leadership to embrace calculated risks and to actively seek opportunities that would provide the United States with a strategic edge over China. "It wont be easy, but I pledge to lead the charge in helping us do just that," he vowed.
In addition to China, Ratcliffe identified technology as a critical area of focus, particularly in relation to the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party. He highlighted the significance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which are poised to shape the future of national security and geopolitical influence.
Ratcliffe also acknowledged the broader geopolitical landscape, noting that adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are striving to establish footholds in regions close to the United States. "We must continue to push back against these efforts," he stated, emphasizing the need for a cohesive approach to policy objectives in these areas.
Ratcliffe concluded by reaffirming the CIA's commitment to delivering its utmost for the American people, underscoring the agency's dedication to addressing these pressing challenges.
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