On Friday a few of us heard a briefing from chief of defence intel. Lots on conventional & "greyzone" threats. But what stood out was language on China—strongest ever for a UK official? "China is increasingly authoritarian & asertive. It poses the greatest threat to world order"

UK chief of defence intelligence: China "is developing and deploying an array of leading-edge
weapons systems that are fast eroding western military advantages". Says Renhai-class destroyer is "the most capable of any navy", and China will have a nuclear triad "within ten years"

UK chief of defence intelligence: "increasing range of capabilities that pose threats in space and in the deep oceans. These hold at risk many of the digital capabilities upon which our modern world depends ... Russia poses a significant threat to submarine fibre optic
cables."

CDI: "a traditional binary view of peace and war is challenged by adversaries that don’t
recognise such a distinction. They are engaged in a continual struggle where they
will apply any and all means ... to achieve their objectives. Much of this activity is in a greyzone..."