America’s increasing focus on China’s subversive activities can distract attention from a more immediate Russian threat. Kremlin officials view Washington’s growing preoccupation with China as a valuable opportunity to undermine Western cohesion and pursue their own goals in restoring a European empire. Ukraine and Belarus may well be President Vladimir Putin’s next strategic targets.

Although both Russia and China are expansionist powers that challenge U.S. and European interests, their current impact is not equivalent. While China is developing into the primary long-term threat, Russia presents the most pressing short-term danger to trans-Atlantic security. China’s territorial and maritime claims are largely confined to the Far East, but Russia’s assertions directly affect America’s NATO allies and partners.