U.S. House Armed Services Chairman Warns of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea Collaboration

Mike Rogers, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, claims that China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are collaborating to diminish U.S. global influence, harm alliances, and jeopardize national security. Rogers warns that these countries are working together to undermine the United States and its global standing, posing a significant threat to U.S. interests and national security.

The alleged collaboration between the four nations is seen as a grave danger to global security and democracy, with the 'axis of evil' phrase used by former President George W. Bush in 2002 becoming relevant again. North Korea and Iran are suspected of working together, with the support of Russia and China, to develop and share weapons and technology.

North Korea has been a key supplier of arms to Russia as the war in Ukraine progresses, which is a critical threat to South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The Kim dynasty in North Korea is facing a slow and irreversible breakdown, with the regime confronting several internal threats, including a worsening economy, food shortages, and growing indifference among the younger generation towards the regime's propaganda and indoctrination efforts. These developments are expected to have major strategic consequences for the Korean Peninsula and the world.

North Korea is expanding its ties with Iran, with a diplomatic delegation visiting Tehran to explore potential avenues for collaboration amid allegations of military assistance between Iran, North Korea, and Russia in the Ukraine war. Deepening North Korea-Iran ties could escalate military provocations and strengthen their diplomatic leverage over the U.S. This emerging trilateral partnership between North Korea, Iran, and Russia, all facing sustained U.S. pressure, represents a nightmare scenario for the U.S. and could lead to greater global instability.

China and its ally Russia are finding the West's peaceful instincts useful in the new Cold War, as they pursue a 'no-limits strategic partnership' to replace American hegemony and the rules-based international order. The Chinese spy balloon incident in February 2023 was a wake-up call for many U.S. policymakers, highlighting the recent tensions between the U.S. and China.

Despite high-level contacts between the U.S. and China, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China, tensions in the South China Sea remain a dangerous flashpoint. The U.S. has responded by strengthening its alliances and partnerships in the region and ramping up maritime military exercises. The U.S. administration's policy of managed competition with China aims to inject greater stability into the bilateral relationship by pursuing a focused set of priorities and opening more channels of bilateral communication to reduce the risk of miscalculation and military escalation.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese officials in Beijing, stressing the importance of responsibly managing differences between the U.S. and China. Blinken raised concerns about China's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as issues related to Taiwan, the South China Sea, human rights, and the production and export of synthetic opioid precursors. He urged China to use its influence to discourage Iran and North Korea from escalating conflicts, emphasizing the need to maintain open lines of communication despite persistent and deepening divisions that threaten global security.

Key Takeaways

• China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea allegedly collaborate to undermine U.S. influence.
• North Korea supplies arms to Russia, deepens ties with Iran, posing security threats.
• China and Russia pursue a 'no-limits strategic partnership' to replace American hegemony.
• U.S. strengthens alliances, increases military exercises to counter growing aggression.
• Blinken urges China to use influence to discourage Iran, North Korea from escalating conflicts.