Thursday, the US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe described China as the "Greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War II."

In an opinion article in the Wall Street Journal, Ratcliffe accused China of stealing intellectual property from US companies, replicating technology, and then replacing the US firms in the global marketplace. He called China’s approach of economic espionage as: “Rob, replicate and replace.” 

“The intelligence is clear: Beijing intends to dominate the US and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically,” he said.

The United States Department of State Thursday imposed tighter visa regulations for Chinese Communist Party members. The restrictions include limiting visas for party members and their relatives to a single entry, with the visa duration lasting one month.

Previously, Chinese nationals were eligible to apply for tourism or business visas, for instance, that are valid for 10 years and for unlimited entries.