Xi’s China presents a paradox. Its assertive foreign policy and rhetoric suggests that China is a country that is increasingly confident of its own power and international role. But a crackdown on dissent and corruption at home, against the backdrop of a slowing economy, points to a strong sense of insecurity at the top levels of government. The two themes – assertive nationalism overseas and nagging insecurity at home – come together in the government’s fear of Western subversion.
