CIA NOMINEE SEES `PREDATORY' CHINA AS PRIORITY

WASHINGTON u.S. President Joe biden's nominee to be director of the CIA, William burns, told a Senate committee on Wednesday that he saw competition with China — and countering its “adversarial, predatory” leadership — as the key to u.S. national security. burns, 64, a former career diplomat, is expected to easily win confirmation to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Testifying to the Senate Intelligence Committee, burns outlined his four top priorities — “people, partnerships, China and technology” — if he is confirmed.

“Out-competing China will be key to our national security in the days ahead,” burns said.

he said China is strengthening its ability to steal intellectual property and build influence within the u.S.