Former US Deputy National Security Advisor and guest researcher at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, Matthew Pottinger, recently stated that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is actually preparing for war, and that “the Chinese people are our best allies in this competition.” He also refuted claims that “Chinese people need an emperor and cannot establish democracy,” calling such statements nothing but “nonsense.”
Pottinger, in an interview with Voice of America’s “Depth Perspective,” mentioned the term “Axis of Chaos” to describe the trio of China, Russia, and Iran, led by CCP leader Xi Jinping, instead of the commonly used “Axis of Evil.” He explained that this phrase originates from Mao Zedong’s belief that “great disorder under heaven, the situation excellent.”
Xi Jinping is believed to view the current situation as a once-in-a-century period of great chaos, frequently referring to it as the “unprecedented major change” that he often shares with his old friend Putin.
According to Pottinger, Beijing has become the primary supplier of war machinery to Russia and the top economic supporter of Iran, openly welcoming terrorist proxies and even allowing these terrorist organizations to visit Beijing, revealing their true intentions.
Xi Jinping initiated a major purge upon coming to power in 2012. Pottinger noted that many initially thought the purge would last around a year, but after 12 years, Xi’s campaign of purging continues.
Pottinger pointed out that Xi Jinping has extended this Stalinist-style purge to the military, dismantling his own base and senior military leaders. He speculated that one of the main reasons for this is Xi’s belief that he has not positioned his “precise team” correctly to launch a war against Taiwan and the United States.
Therefore, Pottinger believes that this Stalinist-style purge not only reflects flaws in the CCP system but also serves as a shocking warning that Xi Jinping is actually preparing for war.
Pottinger emphasized, “The Chinese people are our best allies in this competition!”
He also proposed specific countermeasures against the CCP’s Taiwan invasion plan during the interview.
Pottinger added, “I believe Taiwan must also remember this point. Taiwan should make additional efforts to engage with the people across the Taiwan Strait. Even though there is a great firewall and Beijing seeks to silence Taiwan, Taiwan should make extra efforts to ensure that its story is heard by the people across the strait.”
“Just as the United States should make additional efforts not only in English and Chinese but in various languages to tell our story to the Chinese people, this should also be part of the overall strategy.”
Before serving in the White House, Pottinger was a Marine Corps member and a reporter for The Wall Street Journal. He was once beaten by Chinese police during an interview in Beijing, providing him with a deep understanding and personal experience of the nature of the CCP.
In a speech delivered in fluent Chinese at the White House on May 4, 2020, Pottinger denounced claims that “Chinese people are not suited for democracy” as “nonsense.”
Regarding the democracy index, Taiwan is leading not only in Asia but also globally, ahead of the United States and the United Kingdom. This serves as strong evidence that claims of Chinese inability to establish, enjoy, and maintain autonomy are clearly false.
Pottinger stated that he believes the people of China will ultimately prove him correct on this point.
In his book “Boiling the Moat,” Pottinger also countered the accusation that the young protesters in the 2022 “Blank Paper Movement” were manipulated by “foreign forces,” indicating that the CCP regime itself is influenced by Marx, Engels, Stalin, and Lenin, these “foreign forces.”
An increasing number of young Chinese are awakening to the truth of history, realizing that the CCP and China are two entirely different concepts. According to Pottinger, the Chinese Communist Party is in fact a foreign dynasty that serves as one of China’s outside powers.
Pottinger believes that China’s ultimate path will involve something more Sinicized than Marxism. “I don’t know what it will be, but it may emerge in a form influenced by traditional Chinese thoughts and philosophy.”
“I’ve recently been reading Confucius’ ‘Analects,’ which contains powerful ideas including the importance of human rights (‘ren’), reciprocity (‘shu’), and self-improvement (‘xue’). So far, I have not found anything incompatible with the concepts of democracy and autonomy. In my view, there is no thought that is incompatible with democracy and autonomy.”
Pottinger mentioned that these Confucian thoughts have had significant impacts on Japan and to some extent continue to influence South Korea, both vibrant democratic countries. He questioned where the issue lies when Taiwan, which has a deep Chinese traditional heritage, ranks at the top of various democracy indices.
“I believe if we delve into Chinese culture and ancient wisdom, you will find the foundation for a freer, more democratic, and more humane society, rather than the authoritarian dictatorship we see in Beijing today,” Pottinger concluded.