One year after Afghanistan, spy agencies pivot toward China

By NOMAAN MERCHANT
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence agencies are shifting more money and resources to China. They’re moving hundreds of officers to China-focused positions, including some who were previously working on terrorism. One year after ending the war in Afghanistan, President Joe Biden and top national security officials speak less about counterterrorism and more about the political, economic and military threats posed by China as well as Russia. In a recent closed-door meeting with leaders of the CIA’s counterterrorism center, the CIA’s No. 2 official made clear that fighting al-Qaida and other extremist groups will remain a priority but that there’s an increasing focus on China.