Best of the Spectator Chinese Whispers: What is China's 'United Front' agenda?
Jan 28, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Charlie Parton, a former British diplomat in Beijing and current chief advisor to the Council on Geostrategy’s China Observatory, unpacks the enigmatic United Front strategy of the Chinese Communist Party. He explores its role in consolidating power and influencing global perceptions, including the controversies surrounding Confucius Institutes. Parton also delves into elite capture in the UK, highlighting alarming ties between public figures and the CCP. His analysis underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and national security measures.
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United Front Strategy
- The United Front strategy involves identifying a main enemy (e.g., the US).
- The goal is to shift allies of the enemy to neutral and neutral parties to friendly positions.
Domestic Role of United Front
- While perceived as external, the United Front Work Department plays a significant internal role in China.
- It manages the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a large consultative body.
United Front Targets
- The United Front targets various groups within China, including non-party intellectuals, religious groups, ethnic minorities, and the business sector.
- It aims to align their interests with the CCP's goals.