China aims to surpass the United States as the leading force in artificial intelligence by 2030, and its initiatives towards this objective represent the most extensive challenge to U.S. national security from a military standpoint, according to an intelligence report released on Tuesday.

The report issued by the U.S. intelligence agencies identified China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia as key state adversaries threatening American interests across various domains, including conventional national security issues, cybersecurity, trade, and technological advancements.

"Among global actors, China emerges as the one most able to pose a threat to U.S. interests, although it tends to be more restrained compared to Russia, Iran, and North Korea when it comes to jeopardizing its economic and diplomatic standing through overly aggressive actions," according to the intelligence community’s yearly threat assessment report.

The report cautioned that China's rapid progress in technology, fueled by comprehensive government support, along with its control over key minerals essential for the semiconductor sector—like gallium and germanium—will pose numerous difficulties.

"China has stolen hundreds of gigabytes of intellectual property from companies in Asia, Europe and North America in an effort to leapfrog over technological hurdles," it said.

Although highlighting China's swift advancements in military modernization, the report indicated that the People's Liberation Army might be progressively advancing its capabilities aimed at taking control of Taiwan and deterring—and if required, overcoming—U.S. military involvement.

Regarding North Korea, the evaluation emphasized the enhancement of its alliance with Russia.

The statement indicated that North Korea’s dependence on China has decreased, as enhanced collaboration with Russia has provided financial, military, and diplomatic support to Kim Jong Un’s government.

"North Korea is likely ready to carry out a nuclear test," while simultaneously conducting tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at intimidating the United States along with its allies Japan and South Korea, as well as various other nations, according to reports.