At the meeting of the National Security Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi called for the country to be modernized with a new security architecture that would secure the new development model focused on self-sufficiency, Xinhua reported.
Underlining that the severity and complexity of the national security problems facing China has increased dramatically, Xi warned the security authorities to be ready for the worst and extreme scenarios.
Stressing that the country should build strategic self-confidence in national security and be aware of its strength and advantages, Xi said:
“We must be prepared for the worst and extreme scenarios. We must be able to withstand the test of strong winds, choppy waters and dangerous storms. We must do more to modernize our national security system and capacity to deal with real combat, practical problems.”
Xi’s warnings reflect the concerns of a period in which geostrategic rivalries and regional tensions between China and the US increase, and national security concerns come to the fore in economic relations and technology.
It is seen that China has started to take similar steps after the US has imposed restrictions on key sectors such as telecommunications and chip production for national security reasons in recent years.
President Xi accused the United States of “trying to suppress China’s development” in a panel held as part of the 14th General Assembly of the Chinese National People’s Congress (CNC) in March.
Following the export bans and restrictions imposed by the US on Chinese manufacturers in the field of chips, the Beijing administration also banned the sale of chips and integrated circuits to Chinese companies that carry out critical infrastructure projects of the US microchip manufacturer Micron on May 22.
On the other hand, Chinese security units, Capvision, Bain&Co. and Mintz, conducting investigations by raiding the offices of US-based international audit and consulting firms.
The National Security Commission convened for the first time since the CCP’s 20th National Congress held in October last year. In the Congress, Xi was re-elected as the general sectarian and carried his power to the third term.
The National Security Commission, which was established in 2013, when Xi was first elected as the head of state, includes CCP General Secretary Xi, Prime Minister Li Kiqiang, National People’s Congress President Cao Lici, and First Secretary and Director of the CCP General Office Cai Chi.
Officials of the army, security and intelligence agencies also attend the commission meetings.