In a gathering at the annual Reagan National Defense Forum, congressional leaders highlighted China as the greatest threat currently facing the United States. While other actors such as Iran and Russia also raised concerns, China's growing influence—both militarily and economically—remains a pivotal concern for American policymakers.

During the event, Rep. Ken Calvert, the chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that "China is our biggest threat." He emphasized the need to direct resources and capabilities toward countering this threat. This sentiment was echoed by Sen. Joni Ernst, who referred to a recent Reagan National Defense survey indicating that 51 percent of Americans view China as the greatest threat.

Rep. Adam Smith, the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, stated that the United States faces a combination of threats from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and various terrorist groups. Smith expressed concerns about the efforts of these countries to reduce U.S. influence and create a new world order, highlighting Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's territorial plans as specific worrying factors.

Sen. Deb Fischer emphasized the multifaceted nature of the threats, acknowledging China's military and economic influence, as well as Russia's aggression towards Ukraine. She expressed grave concerns about the existential threat posed by China and Russia as nuclear competitors.

While security challenges abroad were acknowledged, Sen. Kevin Cramer highlighted the United States' own southern border as the most imminent threat, citing its vulnerability to unauthorized entry and the negative impact on society. However, he emphasized that China remains the most pressing threat in terms of national defense strategy.

The findings from the annual Reagan National Defense survey resonated with the concerns expressed by congressional leaders. The survey revealed that a significant majority of Americans, 77 percent, consider China as an enemy, with only 15 percent viewing the communist state as an ally. Compared to 2018, the number of Americans viewing China as an enemy has increased by 22 percent.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in his keynote remarks, acknowledged the rise in security challenges facing the United States. From conflicts in Israel and Ukraine to China's assertiveness and the global battle between democracy and autocracy, Austin stressed the importance of American unity and strength in ensuring global security.

The identification of China as the greatest threat to U.S. security underscores growing concerns about the nation's rise on the global stage. As congressional leaders and the public unite in recognizing this threat, addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by China becomes an imperative for ensuring the security and interests of the United States and its allies.