The authors of the Maritime Advantage report also included among the threats “continuing to undermine the rules-based international order” Iran, the DPRK, terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations
The Navy, Marine Corps and US Coast Guard believe the two most significant threats currently come from Russia and China. This is said in their joint report published on Thursday on the website of the US Naval Institute, which unites former and current members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
The authors of the Maritime Advantage report consider “China and Russia to be the two most significant threats to an era of global peace and prosperity.”
“We prioritise competition with China because of its growing economic and military power, increasing aggressiveness and demonstrated desire to dominate its regional waters and redivide the international order in its favour. Unless China decides to act as a responsible and interested party instead of bragging about power to advance its authoritarian interests, it will pose the most comprehensive threat to the United States, our allies, and all countries that support a free and open system”, – the report said.
Among the threats its authors also included Iran, the DPRK, as well as terrorist groups and transnational criminal organisations that “continue to undermine the rules-based international order”. The document notes that the US “will confront these adversaries” in coordination with its allies, as well as “using forces aimed at addressing more serious military threats”.
The Pentagon and other U.S. agencies have argued for years that Russia and China pose a threat. However, Moscow urges the U.S. side to abandon the practice of baseless accusations and engage in meaningful dialogue.