News analysis

China’s pivot to national security impacts S-E Asia

People watch Chinese President Xi Jinping's live speech during the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress in Hangzhou on Oct 16. PHOTO: AFP
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In his report delivered at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), President Xi Jinping painted a darker, more hostile external environment than in his report at the previous conclave five years ago.

While there is reiteration that there are strategic opportunities to be had, there is no longer the assessment that “prospects are bright”.

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