Xi Jinping Urges China to Enhance National Security Amidst Growing Challenges and Hostile International Environment

“The complexity and hardships of the national security issues that we are now facing have increased significantly. We must adhere to a result-oriented and worst-case mindset and be ready to be severely tested by strong winds and rough waves, and even dangerous, stormy seas,” Xi said.

It is noted that Xi’s latest instructions come at a time when Beijing is facing challenges, including problems in the economy and, as he sees it, an increasingly hostile international environment.

At the same time, the PRC leader noted that China should accelerate the modernization of its system, forces and means of national security, as well as make them more effective in “real combat operations and practical use.”

Xi urged China to move forward in building a national security risk monitoring and early warning system, strengthen national security education, and improve data security and artificial intelligence management.

National security has become a paradigm

Since coming to power, Xi has made national security a key paradigm in the country. The PRC leader expanded its concept to include everything – politics, economics, culture, defense and more. In particular, Beijing has introduced a number of laws to protect against perceived threats, including laws to combat terrorism and counter-espionage.

Most recently, it expanded the scope of its already comprehensive anti-espionage law to include state secrets and intelligence, as well as any document, data, material or item related to national security and interests.

China’s multiple attacks on foreign companies have spooked international business as Beijing tries to attract foreign investment to help revive an economy that has been slowed down by three years of covid restrictions.

US-China relations

Today, US-China relations are at their lowest point in decades. Efforts to improve them are difficult to make progress for a number of reasons.

Also recently, Xi Jinping met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. During the talks, the parties agreed to deepen trade, economic and energy ties with Moscow, counteracting pressure from the West.