Hu Jintao says foreigners out to 'westernize' China

This from the AFP via the South China Morning Post (subscription only):

“Hostile international powers are strengthening their efforts to Westernise and divide us,” Hu wrote in the article, noting “ideological and cultural fields” are their main targets.

“We must be aware of the seriousness and complexity of the struggles and take powerful measures to prevent and deal with them.”

Hu also called for greater efforts to develop Chinese culture to meet the “growing spiritual and cultural demands of the people” in the mainland.

“The overall strength of Chinese culture and its international influence is not commensurate with China’s international status,” Hu said.

“The international culture of the West is strong while we are weak.”

With so many debates over the years about “American exceptionalism,” this presents an opportunity to remind us that a Chinese exceptionalism can be seen as a pillar of Chinese politics.

Then again, what country is not convinced it is exceptional?

UPDATE: Ed Wong of The New York Times adds a story.