NEWS//Wolf Warriors

China has unleashed a pack of diplomatic "Wolf Warriors" that attack any country or journalist that finds fault with their nation.

A more aggressive approach

Under former leader Deng Xiaoping, Chinese diplomats hid their country's ambitions and waited for the opportune time to press their case. President Xi’s approach is day-to-night different. He is urging his diplomats to demonstrate that China is asserting its historic status as a global leader.

The term "wolf warrior" originated with a Rambo-type, Chinese movie character who dispatches American mercenary aggressors in Africa and Southeast Asia with weapons that include his bare hands.

Threats and criticisms

Ambassador Gui Congyou is one of China's diplomatic wolf warriors. He recently demonstrated China's new assertive diplomacy when he belittled Swedish journalists. Gui slammed Swedish reporting on the Chinese government, accusing the journalists of “criticizing, accusing, and smearing China.” He implied China would retaliate. According to a transcript posted by the Chinese Embassy, the ambassador compared the relationship between Swedish reporters and the Chinese government to a 100-pound boxer challenging a 190-pound boxer to a fight (Washington Post).

Twitter has become a communications vehicle for the wolf warriors. Their tweets extol China's efforts to contain the epidemic and its aid in support of other countries. They also criticize the US for its response to the pandemic.

One diplomat, deputy foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, used Twitter to promote a conspiracy theory that the COVID-19 originated in the US.

A matter of honor

Experts say Beijing sees critics as assailing not just its actions, but also its leadership and right to rule. “If anyone tries to attack China on this issue, China will resolutely fight back,” said Shi Yinhong, professor of International Studies at Renmin University. “Chinese leaders may think if China doesn’t fight back, it will hurt China even more.”

Sources: IMDB, Washington Post, South China Morning Post, Ohio State University, The Star, Code Juncky Associated Press