While the world’s attention is drawn to the Hamas-Israel conflict, China is actively engaging in activities that threaten American interests in other parts of the world.
The United States (U.S.) now faces conflicts on three different fronts, namely Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Additionally, the U.S. has two major power competitors to contend with, Russia and China. Furthermore, the U.S. must keep an eye on smaller but belligerent states like North Korea and Iran, which can present disproportionate risks. In contrast, China only has one major adversary, the U.S. This enables China to concentrate its resources and attention on a single competitor, whereas the U.S. must distribute its assets and attention across multiple fronts.
Balancing priorities among the three theaters of Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan is challenging because all three conflicts carry distinct national security implications for the U.S. What is more, they all share a common thread, which is their connection to China. This underscores the critical importance of recognizing China is not merely a competitor or an adversary, but a multifaceted global threat that demands the U.S.’ utmost attention.
The U.S. has always backed Israel due to a combination of shared values, strategic interests and historical ties. Israel, the only democracy in the region, is also of strategic significance for U.S. national security. The collapse of Israel would lead to destabilization in the Middle East.
One of the major contributions Jerusalem has made to supporting U.S. interests is Israel has effectively managed extremists in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan while serving as a deterrent to Syria. Presently, it might seem Middle Eastern countries are united against Israel. However, without Israel in the picture, lasting peace would not hold. The deep-seated Sunni-Shia divide and ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen and Iraq would reignite and intensify.
The absence of Israel would result in the U.S. losing a nuclear-armed ally and a crucial regional access point. The U.S. also benefits from Israel’s extensive intelligence network in the region. Losing that valuable intelligence as well as Israel’s support in counterterrorism operations would increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks on the U.S. home land.
The loss of Israel would likely embolden Iran to advance its nuclear program, heightening global security concerns. Energy shortages could become a widespread issue, affecting much of the world. Additionally, the U.S.’ diplomatic, economic and military absence in the region would create opportunities for Russia and China to exert greater influence. Both countries support Iran financially, technologically and with their weapons and nuclear program. With Israel and the U.S. out of the picture, China would also have access to cheaper oil and economic opportunities, including increased arms and security exports and greater leverage in terms of internationalizing the Chinese yuan. Furthermore, both Russia and China would gain strategic geo-positioning and possibly opportunities to construct overseas bases.
Continued support for Ukraine is equally crucial. Should either Kyiv or Jerusalem collapse, it would tarnish the U.S.’ reputation as a dependable partner on the world stage. Such a perception would embolden both Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, thereby contributing to the deterioration of global security dynamics.
Even more, Eastern European nations and NATO members, including Poland, would encounter heightened threats of further Russian expansion. This could lead to increased militarization in Europe and substantial disruptions to the global economy and energy supply chains. If Ukraine were to succumb to Russian aggression, the United States might find itself confronting direct military conflicts on two fronts, rather than merely proxy wars on three fronts.
Simultaneously, the ongoing support for Taiwan plays a pivotal role in constraining China’s expansion. A successful Chinese invasion of Taiwan would pose significant threats to U.S. national security, erode U.S. influence and disrupt global shipping routes. It would further contribute to regional instability, with China likely intensifying its aggression by expanding its maritime exclusion zone, encroaching on the fishing and mineral rights of countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan and other regional partners of the U.S.
According to Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander, U.S. Northern Command, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) “is the pacing challenge and a long-term existential threat,” Similarly, the Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community regards China as the biggest threat to U.S. national security. And, the Hamas attack on Israel has not changed this fact. While the Israel-Gaza situation distracts the world, China is busy challenging U.S. interests.
In America’s backyard, China engages in a joint forum with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Notably, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has established a spy base in Cuba as well as a space station in Argentina. The PLA-Navy has also conducted joint naval exercises with Venezuela. Furthermore, China has successfully persuaded the Central American Parliament to oust Taiwan in favor of the PRC.
On the U.S. home front, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifies fentanyl as a top security threat, with precursor chemicals supplied by China. And Chinese transnational crime organizations facilitate money laundering for Mexican drug cartels. There’s also a rising influx of illegal Chinese migrants, potentially including agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), entering through the U.S. Southern Border.
The FBI underscores China as the foremost threat to the U.S., primarily through cybercrime and spying. FBI Director Wray warned, “The greatest long-term threat to our nation’s information and intellectual property, and to our economic vitality, is the counterintelligence and economic espionage threat from China.”
In conclusion, while the United States must maintain its support for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, it must remain vigilant, recognizing China as the most dangerous international actor. While the U.S. focuses on one part of the world, China is busy, engaged in nefarious activities somewhere else, including inside of the U.S.
Antonio Graceffo, PhD, China-MBA is the author of seven books about China and Southeast Asia. He works as an economics professor at LETU American University, Mongolia. Previously, he was a lecturer at Shanghai University. Antonio holds a PhD from Shanghai University of Sport, where he wrote his dissertation, in Chinese.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller.