Xi places focus firmly on China's security

Chinese President warns of external and domestic threats in party congress speech

- Tan Dawn Wei

President Xi Jinping on Sunday emphasised the security challenges that China could face and told party members to be ready to weather "high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms", as the country continues its rise as a world power.

Warning of continued uncertainties in the global landscape, he urged party cadres to get behind the Communist Party of China (CPC) and foster a fighting spirit so that they "cannot be swayed by fallacies, deterred by intimidation, or cowed by pressure".

In a wide-ranging speech at the opening of the party's twice-a-decade congress, Mr. Xi outlined his vision for the country for the next five years and more, while also taking stock of achievements made under his 10-year rule.

While much of it was a reinforcement of goals he had mapped out previously, the Chinese leader also appeared to place particular focus on security, including direct references to external threats.