Bridenstine said it is because the administration refuses to increase military spending “unless we also increase spending for the National Endowment for the Arts.” And, he said slow, weak or non-existent responses to probing by the likes of China and Russia put U.S. allies on edge.

On Thursday, Bridenstine particularly highlighted the activities of China, including its building of islands in the South China Sea and shadowing of communications satellites.

When asked to name the country’s greatest foreign threat, he replied, “The risk caused by the United States of America not responding in the way it used to.”

Earlier this month, a United Nations tribunal rejected Chinese claims to the South China Sea. In response, China and Russia announced joint military exercises in the region in September — at about the same time as a scheduled visit by Obama.

In the meantime, U.S. naval vessels continue to conduct “freedom of navigation” operations in the sea.

Bridenstine doesn’t think that’s enough.