Wolf warrior diplomacy

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NYO-China members with Liu Xiaoming at the Embassy of China, London

Wolf warrior diplomacy is characterized by Chinese diplomats' use of confrontational rhetoric,[2][3] as well as diplomats' increased willingness to rebuff criticism of China and court controversy in interviews and on social media.[1] It is a departure from former Chinese foreign policy, which focused on working behind the scenes, avoiding controversy and favoring a rhetoric of international cooperation,[4] exemplified by the maxim that China "must hide its strength" in international diplomacy.[5] This change reflects a larger change in how the Chinese government and the CCP relate and interact with the larger world.[6] Allegedly, efforts aimed at incorporating the Chinese diaspora into China's foreign policy have also intensified with an emphasis placed on ethnic loyalty over national loyalty.[7]

Wolf warrior diplomacy began to emerge in 2017, although components of it had already been incorporated into Chinese diplomacy before then. An assertive diplomatic push resembling wolf warrior diplomacy was also noted following the 2008 financial crisis. The emergence of wolf warrior diplomacy has been tied to Xi Jinping's political ambitions, as well as perceived anti-China hostility from the West amongst Chinese government officials.[5]

"Wolf warrior" began to see use as a buzzword during the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] In Europe, leaders have expressed surprise at the Chinese using a diplomatic tone with them that they previously would only have used with small or weak countries, with the messaging shifting from a tone of collaboration to one of opposition.[5]

One factor which may have helped bring about wolf warrior diplomacy was the addition of a public relations section to internal employee performance reports. This incentivized Chinese diplomats to be active on social media and give controversial interviews. Additionally, a younger cadre of diplomats that worked its way up the ranks of the Chinese diplomatic service and this generational shift is also seen as accounting for part of the change.[9] Activity on social media was greatly increased and the tone of social media engagement became more direct and confrontational.[10] China says wolf warrior diplomacy is a "necessary" response to Western diplomats' social media presences.[1] More specifically, foreign vice-minister Le Yucheng says he believes that foreign countries "are coming to our doorstep, interfering in our family affairs, constantly nagging at us, insulting and discrediting us, [so] we have no choice but to firmly defend our national interests and dignity".[11]

Wu Jing on the set of Wolf Warrior 2

The phrase is derived from the patriotic Rambo-style Chinese film Wolf Warrior 2.[10] Wolf Warrior 2’s tagline was "Even though far away, anyone who affronts China will pay." (Chinese: 犯我中华者，虽远必诛)[1] At the end of the film the cover of the Chinese passport is displayed along with text reading "Citizens of the PRC: When you encounter danger in a foreign land, do not give up! Please remember, at your back stands a strong motherland."[4]

Aside from Xi Jinping, Zhao Lijian, Hua Chunying and Liu Xiaoming have been described as prominent proponents of wolf warrior diplomacy.[1]

In late 2020 Zhao Lijian used his account to circulate a digitally-manipulated image of a child having its throat cut by an Australian soldier.[12] Global commentators called the tweet "a sharp escalation" in the dispute between China and Australia.[13] Within hours the image was found to have been created by Wuheqilin, a self-styled Chinese "wolf warrior" artist.[13] Reuters reported Prime Minister Scott Morrison describing Zhao's tweet as "truly repugnant" and that, "the Chinese government should be utterly ashamed of this post. It diminishes them in the world's eyes."[14] The next day the Chinese foreign ministry rejected Australian demands for an apology.[15] The incident was damaging to Australia–China relations.[16] The effect of Zhao's tweet has been to unify Australian politicians across party lines in condemning the incident and China more generally.[17] On the other hand, Zhao's tweet also garnered a strong wave of support in China, with Wuheqilin's Weibo account doubling in followers to 1.24 million.[18]

Wolf warrior diplomacy has often garnered a strong response and in some cases has provoked a backlash against China and specific diplomats.[19] By 2020, The Wall Street Journal was reporting that the rise of Wolf Warrior diplomacy had left many politicians and businesspeople feeling targeted.[20] A survey by Pew Research found that 78% of people in Western nations have "not too much or no confidence" in China's leadership to do the right thing regarding world affairs.[21] In December 2020, Nicolas Chapuis, an ambassador of the European Union to China, warned that:

“What happened during the last year…is a massive disruption or reduction in support in Europe, and elsewhere in the world, about China. And I’m telling that to all my Chinese friends, you need to seriously look at it.”[20]

• History of foreign relations of China
• Foreign policy of Xi Jinping
• Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy
• Anti-Western sentiment in China
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