Xi Jinping exploits global crises to consolidate power at home
Chinese President Xi Jinping is taking advantage of international conflicts in Iran, Ukraine, and Palestine to tighten his grip on power. He is also cracking down on minority groups, including restrictions on language and culture. The article argues this is bad news for global order and minorities in China.
The new legislation on ethnic unity mandates the standard Chinese language across 55 recognized minority groups, impacting roughly 125 million people. International rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have voiced criticism, following prior measures in Tibet and Xinjiang that included detention facilities and restrictions on cultural practices.
The law's jurisdiction extends to Chinese citizens residing overseas. Concurrently, Xi's foreign strategy seeks to establish China as the primary hub of a new international order, challenging American dominance, while Western democracies struggle to balance economic interests with security concerns in their responses.
This story could reshape international diplomatic dynamics, as Western governments may face mounting pressure to prioritize human rights over trade partnerships. Within China, the policy may deepen alienation among minority communities, potentially fueling internal unrest or global advocacy campaigns. The broader geopolitical shift could lead to a more polarized world order, where smaller nations feel compelled to align with competing power blocs, altering existing alliances and economic networks.