For the first time in 77 years, leaders of foreign intelligence agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States have jointly authored an article and made a rare public appearance together, warning of unprecedented threats facing the world. They have identified the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a significant threat to the UK and the US, and also consider the Chinese Communist Party to be the main challenge in intelligence and geopolitics today.
In a column, they mentioned that domestic political turmoil, the war in Ukraine involving Russia, conflicts in the Middle East, Chinese (CCP) infiltration, and rapid technological changes are creating “unprecedented threats to the international order since the Cold War.”
On Saturday, CIA Director Bill Burns and the head of British intelligence MI6, Richard Moore, attended a public event in London organized by the Financial Times. This marked the first time in 77 years that leaders from both countries’ agencies appeared together at a public event. The Financial Times also published a joint column by the two.
Burns and Moore stated that their joint appearance aimed to emphasize the strength of the UK-US relationship amidst the unprecedented global risks.
The Financial Times noted that this public appearance signifies a step forward for the intelligence agencies of the two countries, warning the nations they serve of increasingly serious global dangers.
In their column, they wrote: “It is without a doubt that the international order, which has brought relative peace and stability, along with an increasing standard of living, opportunities, and prosperity, is facing unprecedented threats since the Cold War.”
“But effectively addressing this risk is the foundation of our special relationship,” they added.
The UK and the US consider the war in Ukraine to be an unprecedented threat to both countries, emphasizing the importance of standing firm as never before.
Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the conflict has entered its third year.
Burns told attendees at the event that he saw no evidence of Putin’s control weakening. Moore added: “Never confuse clinging to power with holding on to power.”
They pledged that future collaboration would prevent reckless disruptive activities by Russian intelligence services across Europe.
During the event, Moore mentioned that Ukraine’s counteroffensive in Khulansk against Russia was “a significant tactical achievement,” boosting Ukraine’s morale and exposing Russia’s weaknesses.
He said it had raised questions among Russia’s elite about where things were heading.
Furthermore, both foreign intelligence agencies view the Chinese Communist Party as the “main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century.”
In the column, they stated that they have restructured their intelligence agencies “to reflect this priority.”
“For the CIA and MI6, China (CCP) is the main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century. We have reorganized our agency services to reflect this priority,” the article read.
They also mentioned actively working towards achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage agreement.
Burns has been a central figure in ceasefire efforts, mentioning at the Financial Times event that there may be more detailed proposals in the next few days.