President Trump’s nominee to be the nation’s spy chief said “the greatest threat actor” facing the United States is China and argued during a Senate confirmation hearing on Monday that the intelligence community needs to do more to combat the growing challenge.

Rep. John Ratcliffe of Texas, who would take over for acting Director of National Intelligence and Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell if confirmed, repeatedly stressed the dangers posed by the Chinese Communist Party, pointing out deceptions surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and China’s broader efforts to replace the U.S. as a global leader.