China’s National Security Chiefs instructed to brace for ‘worst-case scenarios’: An analysis by Edward Felsenthal

China‘s Xi Jinping Calls for Preparation of “Stormy Seas” in National Security Efforts

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has instructed his national security officials to prepare for “worst case” scenarios and be ready to face “stormy seas” as the government desires to counter any potential internal or external threats to the country’s security. Xi, addressing the party’s National Security Commission, stressed that the situation is becoming “complex and difficult” and China needs to be prepared to give the “major test of high winds and rough waves.” These latest directions from the country’s most powerful leader come as China faces various challenges like a weakening economy and an increasingly antagonistic global outlook.

The Paradigm of National Security Under Xi Jinping

Scholars believe that since coming to power a decade ago, Xi has made national security a key paradigm that pervades all sectors of China‘s governance. He has broadened the notion of national security to include politics, economy, defense, culture, ecology, cyberspace, and even space. Under the concept of “comprehensive national security,” China has introduced numerous laws, including counter-terrorism, counter-espionage, cybersecurity, national intelligence and data security, foreign non-governmental organizations, and most recently, a sweeping national security law imposed in Hong Kong to quell dissent after the massive democracy protests. The country has widened its already far-reaching counter-espionage law, institutions have been cautioned on the possibility of foreign spies, and due diligence firms such as Bain & Company and Mintz Group have become a target of multiple raids, which has generated anxiety among international businesses in China‘s economy. Moreover, the government detained a Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma in Beijing on suspected espionage, making it the 17th Japanese national detained since the counter-espionage law’s introduction in 2014.

Advice for China‘s National Security Approach

China‘s emphasis on national security is no surprise, given that it needs to preserve its sovereignty and protect against genuine internal and external threats. However, in making it a key paradigm, the government has often violated fundamental rights and civil liberties, ranging from freedom of expression to freedom of the press. It has also put a great deal of pressure on legal and judicial institutions, undermining transparency and accountability, thereby preventing internal dissent and the opposition from raising their voices. Indeed, China needs to strike a balance between national security and human rights. On the positive side, China‘s latest emphasis on national security may also lead to greater synergies and collaboration with other countries to counter transnational security challenges. However, finding this balance and achieving greater collaboration with other countries would entail greater transparency in its policies, strengthening its legal and judicial institutions, and upholding fundamental rights and civil liberties.

Conclusion

As China‘s economy faces challenges and the country contends with an increasingly hostile global environment, the government’s emphasis on national security is unsurprising. However, this paradigm requires re-evaluation if China is to take progressively more active leadership positions in global dialogue and collaboration. Authorities concurrently need to ensure transparency, strengthen legal and judicial institutions, and uphold fundamental rights and civil liberties.