Reuters reported that, at present, Chinese diplomats are changing to a hawk style diplomacy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently commented, in response to a Reuter’s request, that Chinese diplomats from all age groups are determined to “resolutely safeguard” national sovereignty and security.
Reuters said that the shift came after Xi Jinping gave a handwritten message to diplomats last year, calling on them to show more “fighting spirit” in the face of international challenges, such as deteriorating relations with the United States. State Council member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave the same message to officials attending the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ministry’s founding.
Radio Free Asia commented that, in the past, China needed more favors from the West, so it made many compromises. Now, however, it has money, so not only does it no longer need to yield, but it can also influence Western politicians, businessmen, and scholars. After the group of practical, rational members retires, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is likely to be taken over by a group of “fighting wolfs.” If the West does not organize an effective counterattack, Beijing’s aggressive diplomacy will continue.
A commentator told Radio Free Asia that Beijing felt the present time presents a good opportunity for it to challenge the West, since China is getting over the coronavirus epidemic, while the Western countries are falling down. Also, Beijing wants to stir up strong nationalism to help itself get over the lack of morals in society, the economic crisis, and social problems resulting from the pandemic.
Related postings on Chinascope:
- Diplomacy: Pompeo “Loots a Burning House”
- Propaganda and Lies: People’s Daily Commentary: “Must Resist the Poison of Stigmatization”
- Propaganda and Lies: Geng Shuang, A Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Said U.S. “Stigmatizes” China
- Propaganda and Lies: Pompeo Called Yang Jiechi
- Propaganda and Lies: China’s Propaganda Machine Spread Zhao Lijian’s Accusation of the U.S.
1. Source: Reuters, March 31, 2020
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-diplomacy-insight-idUSKBN21I0F8
2. Excerpt in Chinese:
中国外交部发言人赵立坚不断强硬宣传新冠病毒起源美国论的做法,有别于中国以往较为收敛的外交策略,预示着中国新一代鹰派外交人员的崛起,相信中国接下来将开展新一轮强硬舆论宣传战。
过去中国求西方国家的事情比较多,所以在很多方面做出妥协。现在中国有钱了,不需要让步了,还可以影响西方的政客、企业家、学者。随着崔天凯这一批所谓的务实派、理性派退休后,中国外交系统就是由一批战狼来负责。希望西方国家在疫情过后,能够联合组织强有力的反击,否则中国外交上的强势行为会继续下去。
现在中国国内的疫情似乎缓解了点,但西方国家正陷于灾难中,所以中国官方觉得这是一个挑战西方的好时机。由于中国缺乏法制和政治制度的支撑,所以需要强烈的民族主义情绪来填补价值的空洞、错乱以及经济危机,还有因为疫情而造成的社会矛盾。
Source: Radio Free Asia, March 31, 2020
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/huanjing/hj-03312020123632.html