Xi Jinping’s Security Obsession: Securing at Home and Strengthening Aboard

financialexpress.com:

By Kashif Anwar

Beijing wants to weaken U.S. alliances and push its internal security model overseas to protect China‘s domestic stability and CCP control, as much has changed since October 2022. After significant public outcry, the CCP quickly reversed its draconian “zero COVID” rules. China’s post-pandemic economic rebound has been stalled due to its clampdown on foreign enterprises and weak development. Beijing’s attitude on the Ukraine war has raised tensions with Europe, one of China’s biggest trading partners. China remains committed to security at home and abroad. Early signs from Xi’s third term show that regime security concerns will continue to govern Chinese foreign policy, raising tensions with Western nations and some of China’s neighbours. Xi’s aim to neutralise all threats to CCP rule is paradoxical because maintaining regime security requires China to become more assertive internationally.

Strong at all fronts

In his “work report” to the 20th Party Congress in October 2022, Xi Jinping reminded listeners that before he became China’s leader, national security was “inadequate” and “insufficient.” He declared countries national security is “strengthened on all fronts” a decade after adopting his comprehensive national security concept. He called national security “the bedrock of national rejuvenation” and said China would strengthen its “legal, strategy, and policy systems” for it. Xi implied that his approach will shape Chinese security policy for at least five years and possibly longer.

At the May 2023 meeting of the Central National Security Commission (CNSC), which implements Xi’s concept, China’s leaders reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensive national security. As the CNSC approved