According to the 2023 National Intelligence Strategy (NIS), unveiled on Thursday, the United States sees China as the sole competitor capable of changing the world order, while Russia constitutes an "immediate and ongoing" threat in Europe.

"The PRC is the only U.S. competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do so," the strategy detailed.

Russia was also referred to as a "source of disruption and instability globally," while lacking the capabilities of the PRC.

The policy urged the US intelligence community (IC) to "deepen and expand" its expertise, as well as invest in creating new procedures and nurturing new sources. It also advised strengthening collaboration with overseas friends and partners, as well as the public and commercial sectors, in order to better recognize and solve technological and other challenges.

Read more: US driving Chinese scientists away amid tensions with China: FP

The IC must also improve its understanding of how nations in every part of the world perceive, are affected by, and seek to navigate "big data" like artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, in addition to assessing their prospects to strengthen strategic connections with the US, according to the policy.

The plan outlined six primary objectives for the IC, including recruiting and growing a strong staff, positioning itself for increased strategic competition, and broadening and strengthening alliances.

Yesterday, an executive order signed by US President Joe Biden prohibited specific US investments in "sensitive technologies and products" in China.
 
In three industries—semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technology, and certain AI systems—the order empowers the US Treasury Secretary to prohibit or restrict some US investments in Chinese businesses.

The plan is aimed against investments in Chinese businesses producing chip-design software and manufacturing technologies. These sectors are primarily dominated by the US, Japan, and the Netherlands, but the Chinese government has been striving to develop domestic alternatives.

On August 7, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed several global issues, including the Ukrainian crisis and bilateral relations during a telephone call, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

"The parties highly appreciated the ongoing development of Russian-Chinese relations, which demonstrate stability and positive dynamics amid general geopolitical instability on the planet," the ministry said.

The officials "touched upon a number of hot regional topics, including the Ukrainian crisis," the statement added.

The top diplomats noted their rejection of confrontational policies employed by the West against Russia and China in an attempt to hinder and contain the two countries' development through the means of unilateral sanctions and other "illegitimate methods".