China’s National Security in the New Era
Official White Paper 2025
Released May 12, 2025
? Key Message
First dedicated national security declaration since 1949 – A strategic shift toward an expansive, security-first doctrine permeating all domains: development, technology, culture, and governance.
Holistic Security Concept
China has adopted a comprehensive approach encompassing 16 interconnected domains of national security.
Political
Territorial
Military
Economic
Cultural
Cyber
Ecological
Resource
Biosecurity
Space
Polar
Maritime
Global Security Initiative (GSI)
Diplomatic framework proposed by Xi Jinping to reshape the international order and promote multipolarity.
Common Security
Comprehensive Security
Cooperative Security
Sustainable Security
National Legal Framework
- National Security Law (2015) as foundation
- Counter-Espionage Law (amended 2023)
- Data Security Law
- Hong Kong National Security Law (2020)
- Foreign Relations Law (2023)
- Anti-sanctions mechanisms
International Implications
- Challenge to US-led multilateralism
- Promotion of multipolarity
- Emphasis on sovereignty and non-interference
- Taiwan defined as “non-negotiable red line”
- Opposition to Western “hegemonism”
? Key Statistics
1949
First security declaration since this year
16
Interconnected security domains
2014
National Security Commission established
2022
Global Security Initiative launched
? Key Development Timeline
2014
Xi Jinping introduces “Overall National Security Concept”
2015
National Security Law enacted
2020
Hong Kong National Security Law implemented
2022
Global Security Initiative (GSI) launched
2025
“National Security in the New Era” White Paper published
? Global Impact
International Reactions: Taiwan dismissed the document as “nothing new,” while US analysts interpret it as confirmation of China’s hardening external stance. The EU sees confirmation of concerns about China’s authoritarian trajectory.