Russia’s attack on Ukraine highlights the “acute threat” posed by Moscow, but China is the most consequential challenge for the United States, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said.

He highlighted the different challenges posed by China and Russia as he unveiled the unclassified versions of several military strategy documents.

The dangers are both conventional - Moscow’s aggression toward its neighbours and Beijing’s efforts to gain control of Taiwan - and nuclear, with Russia possessing an extensive arsenal and China’s stocks of atomic weapons growing fast.

“China is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order and power to do so. Unlike China, Russia can’t systemically challenge the United States over the long term. But Russian aggression does pose an immediate and sharp threat”, - Austin said.