Xi Prepares China for ‘Extreme’ Scenarios, Including Conflict with the West

Xi Jinping urges China to prepare for extreme scenarios and build a geopolitically resilient economy amid escalating tensions with the West and ahead of Blinken's visit to China.

Xi Prepares China for ‘Extreme’ Scenarios, Including Conflict with the West
  • Xi Jinping urges China to prepare for extreme scenarios, implying escalating tensions with the West.
  • The warnings come as Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to China this month.
  • Xi's mission is to harden China from external vulnerabilities and build a geopolitically resilient economy.
  • The recent references to extreme scenarios are meant to prod policymakers and local leaders to double down on that effort.
  • China wants to make sure the U.S. doesn’t cross red lines on matters China considers off-limits, such as Taiwan.
Xi Prepares China for ‘Extreme’ Scenarios, Including Conflict with the West
Beijing plays up possibility of worsening ties as the U.S. and China set plans for Blinken visit