On May 12, China’s State Council Information Office released its first-ever national security white paper titled National Security in the New Era. Framed as a major theoretical contribution from China to the world, the document ultimately appears to focus less on regional or global reassurance and more on protecting the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and solidifying its control.
Although the document was likely in development for months, its timing coincides with increasing global tensions and the unpredictable behavior of U.S. President Donald Trump. The white paper attempts to frame China as a stabilizing force in a “volatile and stable” geopolitical landscape, but its deeper purpose seems to be ideological preservation and control.
The State Council stated the white paper aims “to provide a comprehensive explanation of the innovative concepts, practices and achievements in China’s national security efforts, and enhance the international community’s understanding of China’s national security.” However, its tone and content have raised scepticism.
The document includes six sections and a conclusion, touching on topics such as “injecting certainty and stability into a world of change and disorder,” implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and advancing national security modernization. Despite such themes, critics point out that much of the document is less about collective peace and more about safeguarding the CCP’s internal grip.
According to the white paper, “political security is the fundamental task,” placing preservation of the CCP system at the heart of national security. “National security firmly fulfills the major responsibilities entrusted by the party and the people, upholds the party’s position as the governing party and the socialist system, improves the people’s sense of fulfillment, happiness and security…”
While it claims that “people’s security” is the ultimate goal, the text reveals that this actually translates into the maintenance of political control, surveillance, and ideological conformity. It asserts that all aspects of society—from cyberspace to public health—fall within the security domain controlled by the party.
Mathieu Duchatel, a senior fellow at Institut Montaigne, identified four key takeaways:
- Xi Jinping’s comprehensive national security concept is central, covering everything from politics and economy to AI, space, and deep-sea domains.
- Political security is prioritized above all—preserving CCP rule is non-negotiable.
- National security is framed as support for “Chinese-style modernization”, emphasizing harmony and low crime rates, though these are widely seen as results of intense state control.
- The balancing act between development and security, where development cannot proceed without stronger security mechanisms, and vice versa.
Although the white paper references China’s 5,000-year history to validate Xi’s ideas, it is steeped in contemporary political messaging. Its Global Security Initiative (GSI), for example, advocates multilateralism and collective security but is widely seen as a way for China to provide an alternative leadership model that challenges Western alliances.
The document states, “China ensures both its own security and common security, advocates strengthening global security governance… upholds true multilateralism,” but critics argue this is contradicted by Beijing’s behavior—supporting regimes like Russia, ignoring international norms on Taiwan, and expanding authoritarian influence globally.
On Taiwan, the paper claims China maintains “sincerity” in seeking peaceful unification. Duchatel noted that the tone favors “United Front tactics over military coercion,” indicating China still sees strategic influence as preferable over direct conflict—for now.
Meanwhile, Beijing’s ambiguous stance on global crises like the Ukraine war further undermines its claims. Duchatel remarked, “While China has acted as a critical enabler of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine… the document portrays a posture of benevolent neutrality.”
Even in its interactions with India, contradictions persist. Though China condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, it continues to arm and support Pakistan. Chinese weapons have been used in border skirmishes, despite diplomatic overtures.
Ryan Hass, a senior analyst at Brookings, who recently visited China, believes the leadership’s posture mirrors the white paper’s tone. “I feel China’s plan for the US-China trade war is coming into focus around three central planks: maintain composure and resolve; avoid being isolated; hit America where it hurts,” he said.
He added, “PRC leaders don’t expect near-term resolution to the trade war. They view it as a symptom of a broader US strategy to suppress China’s rise. They believe PRC concessions now would only invite further US pressure.”
In Hass’ view, the white paper represents China’s effort to condition its population and international partners to accept tightened domestic control and assertive foreign policy as part of “national security.” It’s an exercise in projecting confidence and strategic patience, especially in a time when global order appears increasingly fragmented.
Ultimately, while China’s first white paper on national security offers a glimpse into how Beijing defines security in a multipolar world, it confirms that the CCP’s survival and supremacy remain the guiding priorities—far above shared values or multilateral harmony.