In a stark warning, Florida Senator Marco Rubio has identified China as the biggest threat to the United States, citing the country’s increasingly unbalanced relationship with the Asian giant. Rubio’s comments come at a time when tensions between the two nations are escalating, with many experts warning of a new era of great power competition.

Rubio’s warning is not just about China’s growing military might or its aggressive expansion in the South China Sea. Rather, it is about the insidious ways in which China is seeking to undermine American power and influence around the world. From intellectual property theft to cyber espionage, China is using every tool at its disposal to gain an advantage over the United States.

One of the key areas where China is seeking to exert its influence is in the realm of international institutions. Rubio noted that China is actively working to undermine the NATO alliance, which has been the cornerstone of European security for decades. By weakening NATO, China hopes to create a power vacuum that it can exploit to its own advantage.

Rubio’s affirmation of the value of the NATO alliance is a welcome recognition of the importance of collective defense in the face of rising threats. For too long, some have taken NATO for granted, assuming that the alliance is a relic of the Cold War era. But Rubio’s comments make clear that NATO is more relevant than ever, providing a vital bulwark against the aggressive ambitions of countries like China.

So what can be done to address the threat posed by China? Rubio’s warning is a call to action, urging policymakers to take a more robust approach to dealing with China’s aggressive behavior. This includes taking steps to strengthen the NATO alliance, investing in new technologies to counter China’s military modernization, and pushing back against China’s attempts to undermine American influence around the world.

Ultimately, the threat posed by China is a wake-up call for Americans to recognize the importance of global leadership. For too long, the United States has taken its position as the world’s leading power for granted. But as China rises, it is clear that American leadership is not a birthright, but a privilege that must be earned and defended. By sounding the alarm on the threat posed by China, Marco Rubio is reminding us of the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in the face of rising threats.