Rex Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the State Department, told senators on Wednesday Russia “poses a danger” to the U.S. but that the two countries need an “open and frank dialogue.”

Tillerson, the former CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp. XOM, -1.17% , is testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His prepared testimony covers relations with Russia, China and other nations and says the U.S. is the “only global superpower with the means and the moral compass capable of shaping the world for good.”

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His testimony comes the same day Trump is expected to face questions about Russia at a news conference. Trump has dismissed allegations that Russia has compromising business and personal information about him as “fake news.”

Here are some highlights of Tillerson’s testimony:

• “We must also be clear-eyed about our relationship with Russia. Russia today poses a danger, but it is not unpredictable in advancing its own interests. It has invaded Ukraine, including the taking of Crimea, and supported Syrian forces that brutally violate the laws of war. Our NATO allies are right to be alarmed at a resurgent Russia.”

• “We should also acknowledge the realities about China. China’s island-building in the South China Sea is an illegal taking of disputed areas without regard for international norms. China’s economic and trade practices have not always followed its commitments to global agreements. It steals our intellectual property, and is aggressive and expansionist in the digital realm. It has not been a reliable partner in using its full influence to curb North Korea. China has proven a willingness to act with abandon in pursuit of its own goals, which at times has put it in conflict with America’s interests. We have to deal with what we see, not with what we hope.”

• “The most urgent step in thwarting radical Islam is defeating ISIS. The Middle East and its surrounding regions pose many challenges which require our attention, including Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. There are competing priorities in this region which must be and will be addressed, but they must not distract from our utmost mission of defeating ISIS. Because when everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. Defeating ISIS must be our foremost priority in the Middle East.”