Bharat Global Time | May 27, 2025

There’s a growing whisper in international strategic circles—and it’s now becoming a loud question:
Is Chinese President Xi Jinping both the strongest and the most paranoid leader China has seen in decades?

At first glance, it sounds contradictory. Xi Jinping is a man in full control—of the Communist Party, the military, and arguably the soul of modern China. But if you take a deeper look at China’s latest Defense White Paper, you’ll notice signs of anxiety lurking behind the muscle-flexing.

Let’s unpack that.

What Is This White Paper All About?

The Chinese government recently published its national defense White Paper, something it does every few years. As expected, it reiterates:

• China’s commitment to “peaceful development”
• Its aggressive stance on Taiwan
• Concerns over U.S. military presence in Asia
• And ongoing modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), especially through AI, cyber capabilities, and space tech

But beyond these regular themes, this White Paper hits a more defensive, even anxious tone. It speaks more frequently about:

• External threats
• Internal ideological dangers
• The need to “protect Xi Jinping Thought”—not just politically but militarily

That’s not normal, even for a tightly controlled regime like China.

Xi’s Strength: No One Dares Challenge Him

There’s no doubt—Xi Jinping runs China with an iron grip.

• He’s removed term limits and secured his third term as President.
• He’s reorganized the PLA to report directly to his loyalists.
• The Communist Party is now more centered around “Xi Jinping Thought” than ever before.

Internationally, Xi has pushed a more assertive China:

• Whether it’s the South China Sea militarization,
• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),
• Or digital Yuan diplomacy,
  he has tried to reshape the global order on China’s terms.

From the outside, it looks like China’s rising unchallenged.

But Why Is Xi Sounding Nervous?

Despite the outward show of strength, the White Paper reveals signs of internal fear—fear of rebellion, discontent, and even collapse.

Here’s why:

1. Youth Unemployment Crisis

More than 20% of urban youth are unemployed.
In a country of over 1.4 billion, that’s a ticking time bomb.

2. Real Estate Meltdown

The Evergrande crisis exposed deep flaws in China’s economic system.
Confidence in the housing sector, which holds 70% of household wealth, is crashing.

3. Digital Dissent & Surveillance

The regime is increasing online censorship, but the protests during the Zero-COVID policy showed cracks in control.
People are learning to protest subtly—but effectively.

4. Global Isolation

With rising tensions with the U.S., EU, and India, China is increasingly isolated diplomatically—and that’s putting pressure on trade and technology transfers.

All this makes Xi fearful of instability, even if no one dares to say it inside Zhongnanhai.

So, What Does “Running Strong and Scared” Really Mean?

Xi Jinping is in full control—but he’s constantly looking over his shoulder.

• He runs a state where one whisper of dissent could trigger mass surveillance.
• He leads an economy that’s too big to fail but too fragile to trust.
• He commands a military that’s powerful—but still untested in real warfare.

That’s why this White Paper isn’t just about China’s enemies—it’s a reflection of China’s fears.

My Take: This Is Peak Power—and Peak Paranoia

If history has taught us anything, it’s that authoritarian regimes look strongest right before their biggest crises.

Xi Jinping’s China is no exception.

The language in the White Paper—defensive, ideological, militaristic—tells us Xi is not just preparing for a war against the world, but also a war against chaos from within.

That makes the regime unpredictable. And in international politics, unpredictability is dangerous.

Final Thought: Should India Be Worried?

Absolutely.
An insecure China under a hyper-authoritarian leader could:

• Lash out over Taiwan
• Clash with India at the LAC
• Weaponize trade or water
• And influence smaller South Asian nations through coercive diplomacy

We must read between the lines—because what’s unsaid often matters more than what’s written.

What do you think? Is Xi’s fear justified? Or is it just part of his strategy to tighten his grip? Drop your views in the comments below. Let’s start the conversation.