China’s State Council Information Office released the whitepaper “China’s National Security in the New Era” on May 12. The whitepaper stressed the importance of security of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) ruling over the country and rejecting the Western’s universal values or “color revolution.” The following are some key excerpts from the whitepaper:
I. China Injects Certainty and Stability into a World of Turmoil
{The whitepaper assessed the external and internal threats}
External security pressures are increasing. Western anti-China forces are making every effort to contain, suppress, and restrain China, pursuing strategies of Westernization and division, and engaging in infiltration and sabotage. Extra-regional powers are increasingly interfering in China’s neighboring affairs, posing threats to the security of China’s border regions and periphery. Certain countries are crudely interfering in China’s internal affairs, stirring up trouble in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, and frequently provoking issues related to Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. Some external forces are intent on playing the “Taiwan card,” while “Taiwan independence” forces stubbornly maintain a separatist stance and continue to provoke dangerously. Meanwhile, overseas separatist forces such as “Tibetan independence” and “East Turkestan independence” are also increasingly active.
Some key and core technologies remain under foreign control. The foundation for economic recovery and growth is not yet solid. Major natural disasters, production safety accidents, public health incidents, and serious criminal events still occasionally occur, impacting social security and stability. The safety of overseas institutions, projects, and personnel also faces real risks.
II. The Holistic National Security Concept Guides National Security in the New Era
The key to the holistic national security … emphasizes a broad security vision that covers numerous domains: political, military, territorial, economic, financial, cultural, social, technological, cyber, food, ecological, resource, nuclear, overseas interests, space, deep sea, polar regions, biology, artificial intelligence, and data security. It also evolves dynamically in line with social development.
{Two subsections stressed the CCP’s security.}
(3) Prioritizing Political Security
This is the lifeline of China’s national security in the new era. The core of political security is the security of the state regime and the political system. Most fundamentally, this means safeguarding the leadership and governing status of the Chinese Communist Party and upholding the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. Without political security, China would fall into disunity and chaos, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation would be out of reach. The fundamental and long-term interests of the people could not be guaranteed. We must enhance political sensitivity and discernment, promptly eliminate various political risks, and prevent non-political risks from escalating into political ones.
(7) Strengthening the Party’s Absolute Leadership Over National Security Work
{Omitted}
III. Providing Strong Support for Steady and Long-Term Progress of Chinese-Style Modernization
{This section shows the CCP’s priorities in security.}
(1) Safeguarding the Party’s Governing Status and the Socialist System
We must prevent and resist infiltration, sabotage, subversion, and separatist activities by hostile forces. This includes resolutely guarding against foreign anti-China forces promoting Western-style democracy, freedom, human rights, and so-called “universal values” as a strategy to Westernize and divide China. We must closely monitor, strictly prevent, and harshly crack down on various infiltration and subversive activities, such as “color revolutions” and “street politics,” orchestrated by hostile forces. Nationwide national security education should be normalized to solidify the people’s defense line.
(2) Enhancing the People’s Sense of Gain, Happiness, and Security
(3) Ensuring High-Quality Development
(4) Safeguarding National Territorial Integrity and Maritime Rights
(5) Ensuring Security and Reliability in Emerging Fields
Source: Chinese Government website, May 12, 2025
https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202505/content_7023405.htm