The top U.S. intelligence official warned Tuesday that the United States is facing strengthening ties and a convergence of interests between China and Russia, just as policy changes on trade and defense by the Trump administration could cause allies to look beyond Washington — a stark admission amid growing fears of faltering alliances.
"China and Russia are more aligned than at any point since the mid-1950s, and the relationship is likely to strengthen in the coming year," according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment, which was presented by the intelligence community's top brass at an annual hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
"At the same time, some U.S. allies and partners are seeking greater independence from Washington in response to their perceptions of changing U.S. policies on security and trade," the assessment warned.
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