China has released its first national security white paper amid what Beijing describes as “intensifying geopolitics” in the region and the deployment of an “intermediate-range missile system.” The 23-page report, published in Mandarin by the State Council Information Office, is titled “China’s National Security in the New Era” and outlines security concerns in a region where the country is grappling with “intensifying geopolitics, hegemonism and the return of the Cold War mentality.”
While the Chinese government has been sharing defense documents with the public for many years, this is the first national security report to address a broad range of security threats, from maritime and territorial disputes to terrorism, biotechnology to food security. The document says the Asia-Pacific region faces “serious” security challenges amid a growing international arms race. China claims that “some countries” have strengthened military alliances in the region, persuaded regional partners, formed “small groups” and deployed military capabilities such as “intermediate-range missile systems.”
Although China did not name any countries, the US deployed a Typhon missile launcher to the Philippines last year as part of annual joint exercises between American and Filipino troops under a post-war defense agreement. Chinese officials have viewed the pre-positioning of American military assets in the Philippines as a direct threat and have repeatedly called on Manila to withdraw the missile system. The Philippines has rejected the request and said it plans to acquire similar systems in the future as part of its military modernization.
The white paper says the presence of the launchers “has increased regional tensions.” It also says, “Unresolved territorial and maritime rights disputes have become more difficult and complicated by the intervention of foreign powers.” Julio Amador III, founder of geopolitical risk firm Amador Research, told Defense News that China has always opposed “external interference by extra-regional powers.” Amador said, “China probably released this to accuse the United States of being a source of instability and to present itself as an alternative partner.”
The national security white paper was released on the heels of a high-level meeting in Geneva where Chinese and American officials agreed to lower tariffs for 90 days. The talks come after the two countries threatened each other with a fourfold tariff hike in early April. China’s views on the tariff war are also reflected in the white paper, which focuses on some countries imposing tariffs that are violating their international obligations and disrupting the global economic order.
Amid trade uncertainty, China announced plans to set up a pilot free trade zone in Hainan, an island province in the South China Sea. The document also said the government announced plans to set up offices to review foreign investments that could affect national security, after other countries launched tariff, trade and technology wars on security grounds and turned public opinion against China.
The white paper also emphasizes “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan and reiterates China’s support for the completion of the long-discussed Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Amador said that while the white paper emphasizes multilateral mechanisms, the document may not significantly change China’s position or stance in the disputed areas. This remains a bone of contention for Manila, which has complained for decades about the inconsistency between China’s foreign policy statements and the activities of its People’s Liberation Army Navy ships, coast guard vessels and fishing fleets in the South China Sea.
“The white paper should not be taken at face value,” Amador warned, adding that it should be “carefully examined, noting where the People’s Republic of China’s actions do not match its words and preparing for any eventuality.” China’s first national security white paper is an important resource for understanding Beijing’s security perceptions and priorities, given the complex geopolitical equations and rising tensions in the region. However, experts stress that it is necessary to closely monitor how closely the document’s statements align with China’s actions on the ground.
