Background
China and Russia each pose a threat to United States security. Some threats are economic in nature; some are military threats and there are even ideological threats.
Generally China poses a greater economic threat to our security than does Russia – they are now the second largest economy in the world while Russia’s economy is about the size of Italy’s. China also poses a threat in espionage – and intellectual property theft. In addition, China holds a large percent of the US national debt creating economic vulnerability to the US financial system. Militarily they will surpass Russia as a threat globally in the future. However, the current situation in regard to Taiwan’s autonomy and aggressive behavior in the South China Sea present immediate military threats on a regional basis.
Russia on the other hand poses less of an economic threat and more of a direct military threat to the homeland. In addition, they have been engaged in highly successful efforts to undermine elections and civil society in the United States. .
General
Conclusion Global Threat Level – Arguments about the unique threats that both countries pose to the US. October 2022
Yes
*China poses a greater “Geoeconomic” threat to the United States than does Russia
*China spends considerably more than Russia on the military
*China is larger in terms of population and production than Russia
*China presents a regional military challenge – specifically with Taiwan
*China threatens the United States industrial base and supply chain
*Russia’s military has been exposed in Ukraine – it is in horrible shape
Russia is a Rogue nation not a peer.
China’s economic growth and increased international assertiveness is a problem for the US
China’s counterintelligence and economic espionage threaten the United States.
China’s developing Cyber Attack strategy
No
*Russia poses a greater global military threat than China
*The war in Ukraine makes Russian threats highly unpredictable
*Russia has more advanced nuclear submarine, missile forces and nuclear weapons
*Russia undermines NATO
*Russia is working on undermining US elections
Russia’s military advantage over China
Russia is the biggest threat to the US homeland
Biden’s national security team identifies Russia as an imminent threat October 2022
Russia is a threat to our elections and is developing new Nuclear technology
Russian hypersonic missile threat
China’s economy undermines its strength October 2022