National security is a systemic project with various complex factors. To modernize the national security system and our capability, we must adhere to scientific coordination, strengthen systemic and dialectical thinking, understand and plan holistically, coordinate and resolve the imbalance and inadequacies of national security work with a view to achieving comprehensive management, positive interaction and joint consolidation in all aspects of national security work. Under the premise of better coordination of development and security, we must handle the following five key Coordination Tasks well:
1. Coordinating external and internal security
The holistic approach to national security has clear stipulations on seeking development, reform and stability, and building a secure China, and externally, seeking peace, cooperation, mutual benefit, and building a harmonious world.
2. Coordinating homeland security and public security
We must adhere to the principle of putting the people first and basing what we do on people’s needs. We must insist that safeguarding national security is for the people and relies on the support by the people. This further confirms that national security and people's security are the essence and core values of the holistic approach to national security.
3. Coordinating traditional security and non-traditional security
In the past, the international community mainly focused on traditional security issues such as major powers’ confrontation and conflicts, armament race and expansion, sovereignty issues and territorial disputes. With increased globalization, non-traditional security issues are becoming increasingly prominent, and major challenges such as terrorism, wealth inequality, climate change, energy and resource security, and major pandemics never cease to emerge. Traditional and non-traditional security issues are intertwined, compounding the diversity, complexity, and nexus of security matters.
4. Coordinating our own security and common security
From a historical perspective, the endless wars and conflicts in human society largely stem from the conviction and actions of countries on the pursuit of absolute security. The pursuit of absolute security by one country will inevitably lead to insecurity in another country. Our country advocates abandoning the outdated thinking of zero-sum game and beggaring-thy-neighbor. Instead we champion the concept of a shared destiny, hold high the banner of a community with a shared future for mankind on the international front, firmly adhere to the path of peaceful development and safeguarding international common security.
5. Coordinate the upholding of national security and creation of the conditions for ensuring it
Shaping national security proactively is a higher and more visionary approach to safeguarding national security. To promote the modernization of the national security system and capability, we must have an accurate appreciation of global development trend and the trends of the era, grasp the rhythm of change amidst the evolving situation, lean towards benefit and avoid harm amidst chaos, and be proactive in combat situations. We must continuously create favourable conditions for ensuring national security generally and firmly grasp the strategic initiative to safeguard national security in our hands.
Emphasizing the distinctive Chinese characteristics
Different countries are faced with different national security situations, and their national security paths will obviously be different. Based on China’s own conditions, General Secretary Xi Jinping has vigorously promoted theoretical innovation, practical innovation, and institutional innovation in our pursuit of national security with Chinese characteristics, ensuring that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will not be hindered or truncated. This path best meets the pressing requirements of safeguarding national security in the new era and demonstrates distinctive Chinese characteristics.
