Xi Jinping Turns China Into ‘Fortress Economy’ to Withstand External Shocks: Report

The strategy aligns with Xi’s broader national security priorities and preparation for ‘extreme-case’ scenarios, according to a new report.

The Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai on June 5, 2024. Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping has initiated a strategic shift toward an economic model that could protect China’s economy from external shocks, according to new research.

The report, released on July 30, was authored by Jimmy Goodrich, a fellow at the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation. The study, which examines official CCP speeches and policy documents, provides a detailed analysis of the Party’s progress in implementing its “fortress economy” policy through several key areas.