The report, produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), is an unclassified, comprehensive overview of the most pressing threats to U.S. national security. Compiled by the National Intelligence Council in coordination with the Intelligence Community—an 18-agency federation that includes the CIA, NSA, and FBI—the report outlines dangers ranging from terrorism and transnational crime to state-sponsored cyberattacks and geopolitical rivals.
While the report outlines a wide range of global threats, the Chinese regime is again identified as the top national security concern. It has held this position every year since 2019, except in 2022 when Russia briefly took the lead following its invasion of Ukraine.
The CCP is actively working to displace U.S. military and economic influence both regionally and globally through a combination of conventional military power, asymmetric tactics, and proxy networks. The regime’s cyber capabilities, pressure on Taiwan, and ambitions in artificial intelligence further elevate the threat. Additionally, Beijing is implicated in enabling nonstate actors, particularly Mexican cartels, by supplying chemical precursors and trafficking equipment, exacerbating America’s fentanyl crisis.
This year, Russia ranks second, driven by its ongoing war in Ukraine and deepening ties with regimes like North Korea. Following Russia is Iran, which is notable for its proxy warfare and nuclear ambitions. North Korea comes next, primarily due to its use of nuclear coercion and advancements in missile technology.
In addition, cyberattacks pose a growing danger to U.S. national security. Chinese cyber operations specifically target critical infrastructure, financial systems, media, and telecommunications as part of broader espionage and influence campaigns designed to weaken America’s technological and economic edge. These efforts are part of a wider pattern, as China increasingly coordinates with Russia, Iran, and North Korea—forming a loosely aligned bloc engaged in persistent, covert cyber aggression aimed at undermining U.S. dominance without provoking open conflict.
By 2035, the PLA aims to complete its transformation into an “intelligentized” force, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and machine learning to enhance autonomy and decision-making across its operations.
The long-term objective is 2049, the centennial of the People’s Republic of China, when Beijing seeks to establish a “world-class” military capable of projecting power globally and securing its growing political and economic interests.
In 2024, the PLA Navy’s third aircraft carrier (Fujian) began sea trials, the Rocket Force likely deployed the DF-27 hypersonic-capable missile, and ground forces enhanced long-range strike capabilities with the PCH191 rocket launcher. The PLA continues modernizing its missile systems, expanding electronic warfare capabilities, and improving readiness and training.
The Chinese regime is developing missile systems capable of striking U.S. territories such as Guam, Hawaii, and Alaska—and may be exploring conventionally armed intercontinental missiles that could reach the U.S. mainland. Beijing is also working to expand overseas military logistics through a mix of access agreements, co-located commercial and military infrastructure, and permanent bases.
China’s commercial space sector is also expanding, aiming to compete globally in satellite internet and other services. Militarily, China has developed a range of counterspace weapons—including electronic warfare systems, directed energy weapons, and antisatellite missiles—and has demonstrated capabilities that could support future space-based attacks on U.S. and allied satellites.
In 2025, the Chinese regime is expected to expand its malign influence operations to weaken the United States both domestically and globally, aiming to suppress criticism, sow division, and counter what it perceives as a U.S.-led campaign against the CCP. These efforts increasingly rely on advanced technologies, including AI-generated news anchors and fake social media profiles, to spread disinformation and exploit divisive issues, such as illegal immigration, illicit drug use, and abortion.
The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment makes clear that the CCP is not just a competitor but the most persistent and comprehensive threat to U.S. national security. Through military modernization, cyber campaigns, economic coercion, and influence operations, Beijing is executing a long-term, whole-of-state strategy—bolstered by growing alliances with other adversaries—to challenge American dominance across every domain.
