China, Russia, Iran pose largest threat to US global interests: Report

China’s effort to expand its growing influence represents one of the largest threats to the United States, while efforts by Russia and Iran to undermine American influence and assert themselves as major powers also pose a challenge, said a U.S. intelligence report released on Tuesday.

The 2021 Annual Threat Assessment puts China’s push for “global power” first on the list of threats, followed by Russia, Iran and North Korea.

There are typically few broad revelations in the annual reports, which are a collection of declassified assessments.

China, the document warns, is likely to continue its efforts to spread its influence and undercut US power, and is likely to press Taiwan to move toward unification with the mainland.

Russia is likely to continue developing its military and cyber capabilities while also seeking to undermine American influence, sow disagreement among Western countries and inside Western alliances.

Iran will “present a continuing threat to U.S. and allied interests” in the Middle East, working to undermine American influence, the report said.

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