Nearly 200 years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte warned that “China is a sleeping giant, let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.” As Communist China continues to spread its malign influence across the globe and adopt an increasingly aggressive posture, that two-century-old warning has become a reality.

The recent developments during the Chinese Communist Party’s Congress this fall should serve as a wake-up call to the international community. Despite decades of efforts to bring China into the family of nations, it has become clear Beijing will continue down the path of authoritarianism and increased global aggression. As Chinese President Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term, his endgame is to be de facto emperor for life. Not only did Xi solidify his power, but he also empowered his closest allies and those who have committed their unwavering support of him.