US commander warns of emerging 'axis of evil' led by China

A new "axis of evil" appears to be emerging, with China posing the greatest threat to international order as it builds relations with Russia, Adm. John Aquilino, leader of the U.S Indo-Pacific Command, warned during a House hearing.

"The most dangerous national security challenges are evolving faster than our current government processes allow us to address them," Aquilino told the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday, according to his written opening statement.

He warned that China, Russia and North Korea are "increasingly interconnected" and "taking unprecedented actions that challenge international norms and advance authoritarianism."

Aquilino also said that the current threat environment is the "most dangerous" he's seen over his four decades of service, per VOA News. 

"Nevertheless, the PRC is the only country that has the capability, capacity, and intent to upend the international order," he warned. China has been enhancing its military over the past three years more extensively and rapidly than any nation since World War II, he said.

"We’re almost back to the 'axis of evil' when you plug in Iran to this problem set," Aquilino also said, according to The Washington Examiner.

The phrase "axis of evil," was used by then-President George W. Bush in his first State of the Union address following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, to refer to North Korea, Iran and Iraq. 

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