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China faces growing threats from ‘external forces’, former spy chief warns
- Food, energy and financial crises threaten the country’s national security, social stability, retired spymaster says
- China must prepare for escalation of ‘bullying, extreme pressure’
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A former Chinese spy chief has warned that China is facing increasing threats from “external forces” that risk thrusting the country into food shortages and financial instability.
In an article in Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily on Tuesday, Qiu Jin, a former deputy state security minister, said China should prepare for the potential escalation of “bullying by the hegemonies”, which aimed to exert “extreme pressure” on the country and push for zero-sum games.
“The instability and uncertainty of the international situation have increased significantly, and the world has entered a new period of turmoil and change,” Qiu said in the article.
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“Malicious practices such as blackmail, containment and blockades … by external forces may escalate at any time. The global energy crisis, food crisis and financial turmoil may also … pose a threat to our country’s national security and social stability.”
Qiu, 69, said China’s domestic challenges included “resolving contradictions among the people”, resulting from the country’s “deep-seated contradictions that cannot be avoided”.
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