What are the benefits of an adversarial nation disclosing before the U.S

Grusch in NYC said another adversarial nation was considering disclosure first, in an effort to beat the US from doing it first.

I’m trying to understand the geopolitical consequences of China or Russia disclosing BEFORE the USA.

My first thought is to lay patent claim on a technology? And maybe even threatening sanctions if another country ( USA ) uses that technology.

Maybe some reversed engineered propulsion system?

Could also simply be being first to record books? But it has to be more right?