In a lengthy article in the Economic Daily (January 12), Ma Baocheng, a Researcher at the Central Party School (National School of Administration) Xi Jinping Research Center for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era, emphasised that "Safety is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee of safety". He said "Safe development involves food and drug safety, safe production, disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, social security prevention and control, industrial chain supply chain and other fields. It is closely related to ensuring the safety of people’s lives, maintaining social stability and safety, and ensuring the country's economic security".  He pointed out that the CCP CC's Fifth Plenum had said that "security development should be integrated into all areas and the entire process of national development" and that CCP CC General Secretary Xi jinping had cautioned that "The current and future periods are prone to all kinds of contradictions and risks in our country. Various foreseeable and unforeseen risk factors have increased significantly." Ma Baocheng said "safety development involves food and drug safety, safe production, disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, social security prevention and control, industrial chain supply chain and other fields. It is closely related to the protection of people’s lives and the maintenance of social stability and safety. It is closely related to ensuring national economic security." Highlighting that Xi Jinping had consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining the safety of the industrial chain and supply chain since his meeting with CPPCC members in May 2020, Ma Baocheng devoted an entire paragraph to maintaining the security of the industrial chain and supply chain. He explained "The safety and stability of the industrial chain and supply chain are the foundation for building a new development pattern. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, in the face of the deep recession of the world economy, the countercurrent of economic globalization, and the prevalence of protectionism and unilateralism in some countries, we must fully realize the importance of maintaining the security of the industrial chain and supply chain. With regard to the nature and urgency of the industrial chain, the local layout, supporting facilities, and international coordination of the industrial chain and supply chain are comprehensively considered, and multiple measures are taken simultaneously to effectively maintain the safety of the industrial chain and supply chain. To this end, it is necessary to coordinate the advancement of filling short boards and forging long boards, implement key core technology tackling projects in a targeted manner, solve a number of key technology "stuck necks" as soon as possible, and intensively cultivate and develop more unique fields in the industry's advantageous areas." He added that "Only by implementing this series of measures can we strengthen the independent controllability of the industrial chain and supply chain and ensure national economic security." 

In a second article published in the People's Daily on January 13, and captioned 'Continuously improve the ability to prevent and resolve major risks' Ma Baocheng highlighted that as the goal of national rejuvenation comes closer risks would increase. Ma Baocheng was identified as Director of the Emergency Management Training Center of the Central Party School. He recalled that CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping had emphasised: “Always be prepared to deal with major challenges, withstand major risks, overcome major obstacles, and resolve major contradictions. With the courage to overcome difficulties and overcome difficulties, with the courage to overcome difficulties, and with high spirits and vigour, we will continue to make the Chinese nation great. The cause of revival is moving forward". He noted that "At the same time, China's public security is facing many new situations and challenges. Various emergencies are prone to occur and there are more conflicts and risks than ever". He described as a positive move the setting up of the the integrated command system called the Emergency Management Department in April 2018 which integrated 13 responsibilities of 11 departments.

(Comment: The article highlights China's concern that disruption of its supply chain could derail its national development effort.)