William J. Burns

William J. Burns (Bill Burns) was officially sworn in as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency on March 19, 2021, making him the first career diplomat to serve as Director. Director Burns holds the highest rank in the Foreign Service—Career Ambassador—and is only the second serving career diplomat in history to become Deputy Secretary of State.

April 15, 2026

Columns/Geopolitics

Bound by Rivers, Driven by Strategy

Since the beginning of the new era, China’s policy of fostering amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy has significantly advanced its relations with neighboring countries. China has reached a

Diplomacy

China Marks 76th National Day in Maldives as President Muizzu Pledges Stronger Ties

The Chinese Embassy in the Maldives hosted a grand reception on September 30 to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The event brought together nearly 250 distinguished guests, including

October 3, 2025

Solidarity in the Storm

Columns/Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was struck by severe flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, leading to road blockages, destruction of homes and loss of life.

Clean Water, Shared Destiny: China–Sri Lanka Friendship in Action

Diplomacy

China and Sri Lanka first became connected through Buddhism and later through the Maritime Silk Road. The friendship between the two peoples has transcended

Heads of Top Western Intel Agencies Confront Emerging Threats to Global Order

September 9, 2024

Columns

Editorial Note: This article, originally published in the Financial Times, features insights from Bill Burns, Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, and Richard Moore, Chief of the UK Secret Intelligence Service.

A World Transformed and the Role of Intelligence

July 2, 2023

Defence/Diplomacy

The following essay is based on the 59th Ditchley annual lecture delivered by the author as the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director I must admit that my memory of the conference itself