Beijing Beset by Insecurity and ‘Siege Mentality’: Australian Diplomat
The Chinese leadership is beset by insecurity and a “siege mentality,” according to the outgoing head of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Secretary Frances Adamson, a former ambassador to China who was present during the elevation of Xi Jinping to the Communist Party leadership, said that from his ascension, the Chinese regime underwent […]
The Chinese leadership is beset by insecurity and a “siege mentality,” according to the outgoing head of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Secretary Frances Adamson, a former ambassador to China who was present during the elevation of Xi Jinping to the Communist Party leadership, said that from his ascension, the Chinese regime underwent the most “consequential change.” “China speaks of a ‘new type of international relations,’ as if it is a fairer way, an improvement. But underneath it is the same old power politics, the raw assertion of national interests,” Adamson told the National Press Club on June 23. “Few really grasp that this great power is still dogged by insecurity as much as driven by ambition. That it has a deeply defensive mindset—perceiving external threats even as it pushes its interests over those of others,” she said. “This siege mentality—this unwillingness to countenance scrutiny and genuine discussion ...
