"China is greatest threat to U.S." Topic

Some might question the timing of his admissions, especially the 3rd point. Pretty sure some of us have been bringing this up on TMP for a while. That 3rd point only scratches the surface IMHO.

"What You Need To Know

Outgoing Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray said the Chinese government poses the greatest long-term threat to the United States

During an interview on "60 Minutes" Sunday, Wray said China's cyber program is larger than those operated by all other major countries combined and has stolen more personal and corporate data from Americans than all nations combined

He said the Chinese government has insinuated malware into U.S. water treatment plants, transportation systems, the electrical grid, natural gas pipelines and telecommunications systems to "inflict a real-world harm at a time and place of their choosing"
"

Subject: FBI's Christopher Wray says China is greatest threat to U.S.


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Yes, that is the clear & present danger. The US leadership just has to prioritize properly. Triage so to speak.

Legion the first issues are:

Is the programming development and maintenance on our infrastructure being done in this country, or farmed out overseas to "save money"? Overseas makes security much harder and suspect.

If done here, are we employing contractors from overseas and are they properly vetted and monitored.

Are we producing our infrastructure parts and equipment, or are we buying overseas…. Especially from the Chinese?

Just a short list of the issues.

Easy to see from these issues combined with the enormous military build up the Chinese are carrying out. I'm no good with Spanish much less Mandarin.

I'm not convinced we aren't our own greatest threat.

Now Legion, you know that just isn't true.
The President made it very clear that the number one threat to the US was white supremacy. Where do you come up with these wild ideas of yours?

Do we assume the US has taken no counter measures and we are just waiting for the Chinese to destroy our infrastructure? Now that Wray has been fired, he wants to tell everyone the US is doomed by going on 60 Minutes? But this is the FBI, which nobody believes is credible. Let's see how the new team handles this.

For a long time a key issue has been the merging of Operational Technology (OT – aka industrial control systems) with IT (internet, public commas). While there are obvious advantages to doing so it is also a vulnerability. Plus some OT data processors are old tech and vulnerable to being hacked.

CAI report

The report is just to show that the problem hasn't been fixed despite being well known and discussed for at least a couple of decades.

Excellent article…not fixed, but not ignored either. My guess is that not many people understand the fundamental tech issues at the heart of the problem. CISA is part of Homeland Security. It seems Biden made this a priority from day one, but who knows what kind of progress has been made.

IT has recognized the threat for many years, as have politicians on both sides. Some Problems:

Money, manpower and priority has not been there. Case in point, how much better could the money wasted on DEI programs and incentives and on housing, clothing and feeding illegals, could have been used on this issue.

There are politicians with absolutely no concept about this, nor concern. In other words, it is no where on their priority list. Nor do they really care.

Government bureaucracy and paperwork, stand in the way of quick fixes. This is a huge problem. If you have never worked in both the private sector and government sectors, you would not understand the difference in how quickly things move in one, compared to the other.

People don't know about it, nor understand the danger.

Take the California fires:

Most residents (not all) were fat, happy and contented. Easy to back environmental, DEI and sanctuary city policies of the liberal politicians that they elect over and over. Yes taxes get higher, but they have the money and it allows them to virtue signal to their friends. Very little real effect to them.

Suddenly their lives go up in fire and smoke. Now they care! Now they are on the web and TV complaining about politicians not prioritizing fire protection and fire prevention.

How much more so, with citizens of the US when their power, water and other necessities stop?

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. "

I doubt much has been done with this in the last 4 years. Otherwise Wray would not be coming out with this while the current administration was still in charge.

I question how successful we can be fixing this, even if prioritized, unless the governmental bureaucracy and paperwork is immediately eliminated. Entrenched bureaucrats may have to be ousted. Paperwork eliminated. Private sector management and methodologies inserted.

I'm not saying private sector management cannot be just as stupid and shortsighted. They are and have been. They just work faster when their 🫏's are on the line.

I think for the next four years the threat from China has diminished somewhat. The threat that is real is what has already crossed over the border.

The PRC is the greatest threat to ALL of us!

Lenin said the capitalists would sell the rope used to hang them. He was wrong. As it turned out, Western Globalists transferred or GAVE the Chinese Communists the "rope" (technology, industrial capacity, weaponry, etc.) to hang us.

The problem with private sector is they only have one mission – profits. Although you could say the same about our politicians. The "People's Billionaires" are autocrats in their worlds. Some are quite accomplished. We will see how they apply their skills. Private sector technical development and expertise are critical.

I don't know where any of these cyber challenges really stand in terms of progress. We sometimes make the assumption here that the United States is not doing anything while its enemies are cruising ahead with no problems. We don't know what we don't know.

China, IMO, remains the biggest threat, although it is stalled a bit right now due to some economic issues, the demographic results of the one child policy, its vulnerable energy and other supply lines. Corruption in the military is said to be rife at the top. Their new aircraft and naval vessels, like their personnel, are untested and seem to lack some of the key tech and numbers of quality ships and personnel that makes the American navy far better than theirs.

But Russia, Iran, China, are said to have highly skilled professional hacker teams. Where are we on this? No word – my guess is that nobody will be going on 60 Minutes to tell us all about it. Well…I hope not…

Tort, yes we have the capability and we use it. Think back to the hack of the Iranian nuclear project with a virus by the CIA and Mossad. I'm sure we have advanced since then.

Sometimes it hurts to overestimate your enemy, ask Little Mac. But it is never good to underestimate your enemy. I don't think you can be over prepared.

Gray Bear

"Globalists transferred or GAVE the Chinese Communists the "rope" (technology, industrial capacity, weaponry, etc.) to hang us."

All too true! Plus money to spare, as they did not have to employ their own people nor develop what we gave them in exchange for slave labor.

That is the fault of the short sighted leaders in the private sector and politics. Make a quick Buck and dam# the consequences!

Technically we paid them to start the factory to build the rope to hang us. We didn't sell it to them, we didn't give it to them. We paid them to do it because we figured they'd do it more efficiently and cheaply.

At the end of the day, we still hang, and paid for the privilege.

Tgerritsen, actually that varied with the company involved. 🙂

One of mine was more than happy to build the plants in China in exchange for the cheap labor. Then they dumped their US factory workers and closed their plants here. They then "tried" to do the same with IT, moving much to India and got rid of much of US IT for over a 10 year period (I was riffed as one of the last). That did not totally work for them, and after my riff group, they were forced to modify their plans somewhat.

This is one area tariffs would help, as long as they are forced on our companies as well, who ship their products from factories overseas, back to the US.

Will that happen? Who knows.

I have said this for many years before and I will say it again.

"We are at war with China."

The fact that neither side has actually declared it, or ramped up the situation by pulling triggers and launching missiles is a quiet blessing, but that time is going to be coming to an end.

Legion the first issues are:

Is the programming development and maintenance on our infrastructure being done in this country, or farmed out overseas to "save money"? Overseas makes security much harder and suspect.

If done here, are we employing contractors from overseas and are they properly vetted and monitored.

Are we producing our infrastructure parts and equipment, or are we buying overseas…. Especially from the Chinese?

Just a short list of the issues.

That sounds about right … Hopefully with new leadership in the WH things should change …

Hopefully with new leadership in the WH things should change …

China is expecting things to change.

Within China, public reaction to Trump's victory is polarised.

On one side, nationalist factions view Trump as an agent of America's own decline.

They even call the president-elect "nation-builder Trump" for China, indirectly facilitating Beijing's rise by diverting US focus inward.

For many Chinese nationalists, Trump's "America First" agenda weakens US influence globally, which they see as a boon to China's diplomatic and economic ambitions.

These individuals welcome the notion that Trump's policies could yield unintended advantages for China's standing on the world stage

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Opinion in Australia is that we are in for a rough 20 years as the US implodes. Based on the weakness of the previous Trump administration. I expect many pacific islands are sensing the way the wind is blowing and looking more favourably at China.

However, Chinese cars are now both cheaper and better than US cars and their prices are falling. So a short term win until the trade wars really kick in. As a free trade nation, Australia is at risk of being caught in the crossfire.

I agree with Nick.

Trump did end our Pacific agreements last time, citing bad deal, then no follow-up that I know of. I can barely follow what he is talking about these days, call me what you will per usual, but he may find that the military does not want to pull back here. Who knows what Musk will want? Hesgeth on the world stage as a global military strategist is not a reality for me.

But again, we will see. AUKUS had better remain untouched…

🙄

Yes, Lloyd J. Austin III and Joe Biden have been bastions of foreign policy genius. They have been the Wile E Coyote's of foreign policy.

One disappears and no one knows where until afterwards and the other hasn't been performing his position since who know when and we have no real idea who is really running the country.

The world is so much safer since they took over in 2020. Quiet in China, North Korea, Russia and the Middle East. 🦗 Shipping flowing freely in the Suez canal. No peep from the agents of Islamic terrorism. I believe they have been cowering in fear for the last four years.

No invasions of the home country of millions of non vetted aliens. No fly overs by spy balloons. No drones flying over our military bases. No land close to our bases being purchased by Chinese interests.

Yes I have felt sooo much safer since Trump was gone. 🙄😂

OPPs! Also one should keep an eye on the current situation of our ally South Korea and the connections of the party that just had the President arrested.

"A month after South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's astonishing decision to impose martial law, the country is still deep in political turmoil. But if the opposition Minjoo (Democratic) Party ends up taking power, analysts say it could lead to closer ties between Seoul and Beijing."

And

"WASHINGTON —
South Korea's political turmoil is deepening since its martial law debacle, and analysts say China may have an opportunity to increase its leverage over the country.

The current political chaos in Seoul is "working to[ward] Beijing's advantage," said Evans Revere, who served as the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs during the George W. Bush administration.

"China, with its authoritarian approach to governing, is beneficiary" and "no doubt pleased because China sees the ascendancy of the Democratic Party, known for its sympathetic approach to the PRC, as a positive development," Revere said. China's official name is the People's Republic of China, or PRC."

By the way, what was it Trump told Hamas they had better do before he became President? Something about a hostage deal in place or all hell..? 🤔

Don't want to get too excited about this yet, we know how this stuff can quickly fall apart. As we've seen all too often before. But does seem hopeful. The 16 day bothers me a bit. Is Hamas using it to regroup?

Subject: Live updates: Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, source says | CNN

"What we're covering
• BREAKING NEWS: Israel and Hamas agree to a deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, source says

• Implementation is likely to start on Sunday. Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging deal. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are set to be released from Israeli jails at the same time.

• The release of the hostages would be the first phase of the deal being finalized. Negotiations to reach the second phase – which is intended to end the war – would begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal. Here's what we know about the potential deal."


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35th – Those guys are toast! I was not comparing their wishy- washy selves to anybody. Trumps people worked with Biden's on the ceasefire. It's like a real transition this time.

There are valid concerns about Hesgeth. It's a big job for someone not experienced in running such a massive org. And dealing with Congress and contractors means he will need some high quality handlers.

And he is not the best guy for recruiting, IMO, too much of a throwback. Culture war stuff is useless..studies show DEI does not suppress recruiting very much, if at all. In the Chinese army, 40 % of their training time is said to be on political indoctrination. Does this mean they are not much to worry about?

But I would certainly give him a chance. I hate to see the musical chairs cabinet thing get going again. I especially hope they get the border fixed. We will see!

Now Legion, you know that just isn't true.
The President made it very clear that the number one threat to the US was white supremacy. Where do you come up with these wild ideas of yours?

Yeah, I think Global Warming was the #1 priority before white supremacy. Like other things that came out of this Gov't, "if everything is a priority than nothing is a priority" …

China is expecting things to change.

Of course they are in it for the long game. They are playing "GO", while the current US leadership is playing Checkers. Seems they have not become proficient at chess, and won't anytime soon …

BREAKING NEWS: Israel and Hamas agree to a deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, source says

Before everyone makes plans for Victory Parades, this is only an exchange of people during a ceasefire. The war is not over … According to a report from this Admin, Hamas has had enough bodies joining their ranks to fill most of their losses. And I'd think all the Hamas prisoners that Israel is exchanging will be reinforcements for Hamas.

Don't know at this point where this event stands. But if the IDF pulls out of Gaza, if the war ever ends. It will only set things up for another 07 Oct, in the future.

The concept that Hamas has to be totally destroyed is given. But can it be done ? If anyone can, the IDF can … But that will require much more bloodshed and destruction …

Now Legion, you know that just isn't true.
The President made it very clear that the number one threat to the US was white supremacy. Where do you come up with these wild ideas of yours?

Yeah, I think Global Warming was the #1 priority before white supremacy. Like other things that came out of this Gov't, "if everything is a priority than nothing is a priority" …

China is expecting things to change.

Of course they are in it for the long game. They are playing "GO", while the current US leadership is playing Checkers. Seems they have not become proficient at chess, and won't anytime soon …

BREAKING NEWS: Israel and Hamas agree to a deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, source says

Before everyone makes plans for Victory Parades, this is only an exchange of people during a ceasefire. The war is not over … According to a report from this Admin, Hamas has had enough bodies joining their ranks to fill most of their losses. And I'd think all the Hamas prisoners that Israel is exchanging will be reinforcements for Hamas.

Don't know at this point where this event stands. But if the IDF pulls out of Gaza, if the war ever ends. It will only set things up for another 07 Oct, in the future.

The concept that Hamas has to be totally destroyed is given. But can it be done ? If anyone can, the IDF can … But that will require much more bloodshed and destruction …

Based on the weakness of the previous Trump administration.

We talking about the same admin ? Can't imagine anyone how anyone could say that ? Now if you mean the current admin, well weakness and many other negatives are in order.

There are plenty of people on both sides Legion. I found them both weak and unreliable and still do, making me an outcast here. Biden had the Afghanistan withdrawal, Trump was clueless about the Taliban, as examples, plenty of others. My opinion. We are in need of some unifying leadership from a new generation. This ain't it.

I am not naive enough to believe all the wild promises, like 24 hours to end Ukraine. But I am hoping some things will get fixed before we face the possibility of Congress switching parties in two years. Immigration especially, securing the border. If Mexico had actually paid for the wall, it would have been done long ago. Time to deliver.

Piper909…+1

Legion I would never trust radical Islam. No further than I would a rabid dog. If I were Israel, every 10th Hamas prisoner I released, would have a tracer microchip in embedded without their knowledge. Then when they go back to terrorism, which they will, you know where to locate the bombs precisely.

Somewhat like the cell phones and walkie-talkies.

💥

35th, I think the Israelis would never buy this deal without making some plans for these people, perhaps giving them fake info to spread, or something like that.

Based on the weakness of the previous Trump administration.

We talking about the same admin ? Can't imagine anyone how anyone could say that ?

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I can go on and on. So many chart from around the world. Summary is travel outside of the US.

I disregarded it when the first chart showed Obama at 70 plus positive. 😉

Of course many(not all) of those outside the US view weakness in US leadership as a positive. I won't go into the political bent of Obama, but will say that his political views match those of much of the westernized world, which took a decidedly leftest bent over the past years.

That seems to be changing in some countries leadership now.

But hey, feel free to not like Trump, fortunately those outside the country don't have a vote in our elections. 🤔 Well unless you sneak in over the border. But since you feel free to comment on ours, I can say I'm not found of your last leader, Morrison either. But I didn't have to live under him. I did on the other hand, have to live under our last 3 Presidents and I can say I was not happy at all with Obama or Biden (or whoever was running the country).

China tests microwave weapon with nuclear bomb-like power to kill satellites

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Armand

Well Tango I did read an article where they said China was planning on knocking Starlink satellites out.

Maybe we can repay them for all the lovely insects, diseases, spy's and other gifts they sent over here and repay them with an insect or disease that destroys only rice. Something that would make the Great potato famine, seem like a mild case of the blight. 🤔 Break their rice bowl, so to speak. 🍚

Then we will blame it on a wet market. 😉

Remember the John Christopher novel "Death of grass". Something that attacks rice could easily mutate into something that attacks wheat, barley, oats and other grasses, so no food for animals, domesticated or wild. So no food for people or animals except cabbage, turnips or beet. Well, OK, fish.

Of course we must have the cure. 😉 But no, have never read it.

"So no food for people or animals except cabbage, turnips or beet. Well, OK, fish."

Well there is always "Soylent Green". 😳

"*Soylent Green is made out of people.* They're making our food out of people. Next thing they'll be breeding us like cattle for food. You've gotta tell them. You've gotta tell them!"

Ha!Ha!Ha!…

Armand

Well didn't take long

Subject: Chinese hackers accessed thousands of Treasury files, including Yellen's, officials told lawmakers


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There are plenty of people on both sides Legion.

Tort … you & I have gone over many of the things you mentioned in that post. No need to do it again …

Legion I would never trust radical Islam.

Yes, and already Hamas is trying to change what was agreed upon.

A Hamas leader spoke of the great victory of 7 Oct.

Hamas is already saying they will do another 7 Oct.

I can go on and on. So many chart from around the world. Summary is travel outside of the US.

Yes I have read similar.
And I know people here would disagree with what some of the articles posted say. What I know as living in the USA, we may see things much differently.

Again, We have the open border with 10-20 million illegal aliens roaming the country

A deteriorating military

Crime in some big cities is out of control

Prices of common items at the store or fuel pump are beyond belief

A narrative and agenda most in the USA do not support, that and more is why the new POTUS was elected.

Starving the Dragon: Toward An America-First China Strategy

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Deterring the Dragon . . . From (Under) the Sea

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Armand