What did the declassified documents reveal?

This is Declassified. Today, we examine a Special National Intelligence Estimate on Chinese Communist Capabilities and Intentions in the Far East, issued by the C-I-A on November thirtieth, nineteen sixty-one. This document offers insight into Cold War-era U.S. intelligence assessments of China's strategic posture in Asia. You can find this record at documents2.theblackvault.com. This document, cataloged under C-I-0-1-4-4-7, was declassified and approved for release in June two thousand four. The declassification authority is not specified on the document itself, but it appears to be part of a broader release of historical intelligence records concerning U.S. intelligence on China. The Special National Intelligence Estimate, S-N-I-E 13-3-61, titled "Chinese Communist Capabilities and Intentions in the Far East," was submitted by the Director of Central Intelligence. It was prepared with the participation of the Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State, Defense, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and The Joint Staff. It was concurred in by the United States Intelligence Board on November thirtieth, nineteen sixty-one. The Director of Intelligence and Research, Department of State; The Director, Defense Intelligence Agency; the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of the Army; the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Intelligence), Department of the Navy; the Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, U-S-A-F; the Director for Intelligence, Joint Staff; and the Director of the National Security Agency, all concurred. The Atomic Energy Commission Representative to the U-S-I-B, and the Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, abstained, citing the subject being outside of their jurisdiction. The document states: "The Problem: To estimate Communist China’s objectives in the Far East, its assessment of its own position, and its capabilities and likely courses of action over the next two years or so; and to consider how these might be affected by the contingency of an open break in relations between the Chinese and Soviet Communist Parties." Its conclusions include: One. "Communist China almost certainly does not intend to attempt the open military conquest of any other Far Eastern country during the period of this estimate. Communist China’s leaders believe that they can eventually achieve their objectives in the area at far less cost and risk through the techniques of Communist political warfare. When Peiping believes the circumstances are right, it will endeavor to supplement the more conventional forms of political warfare with guerrilla and terrorist action by indigenous forces, supported and guided by Peiping." Two. "In any case, the Communist Chinese will seize every opportunity to undermine U.S. standing and to generate anti-American feeling in the Far East. They will strive to promote discontent and instability in the pro-Western countries of the area." Three. "Peiping…

Why was this case declassified?

This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The originating source document is linked on this page so the citation chain is auditable.

CIA Today, We Examine A Special National Intelligence Estimate On Chinese Communist

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This is Declassified. Today, we examine a Special National Intelligence Estimate on Chinese Communist Capabilities and Intentions in the Far East, issued by the C-I-A on November thirtieth, nineteen sixty-one. S. intelligence assessments of China's strategic posture in Asia. com.

Date: SEP 15 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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This is Declassified. Today, we examine a Special National Intelligence Estimate on Chinese Communist Capabilities and Intentions in the Far East, issued by the C-I-A on November thirtieth, nineteen sixty-one. This document offers insight into Cold War-era U.S. intelligence assessments of China's…

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What was CIA Today, We Examine A Special National Intelligence Estimate On Chinese Communist about?: This is Declassified. Today, we examine a Special National Intelligence Estimate on Chinese Communist Capabilities and Intentions in the Far East, issued by the C-I-A on November thirtieth, nineteen sixty-one. S. intelligence assessments of China's strategic posture in Asia. com.
Why was this case declassified?: This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Storyflo narrates it directly from the public release.

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CIA Today, We Examine A Special National Intelligence Estimate On Chinese Communist

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