China’s diplomats are shedding their gracefulness for Twitter outbursts and abrasive affronts. HM Wilkins Imperial questions whether China’s newfound aggression part of an economic-political strategy.
At the Pacific Islands Forum in 2018, China’s delegate erupted when instructed to wait for other delegates to finish speaking before having his say. Since then, instances of aggression from Chinese diplomats have intensified and grown especially prominent during the pandemic.
Angry Tweets Prompt Discord
Spokesman for China’s foreign ministry Zhao Lijian took to Twitter in March to accuse the US military of bringing COVID19 to Wuhan, implying that the virus originated in the US. He continued by exclaiming, “Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation!” The tweet was described as harmful by Cui Tiankai, China’s ambassador to the US.
While blame from speculation over the pandemic may seem to be the root cause of the hostility seen in Chinese diplomats, it is probable that China’s battle-picking is part of a larger strategy. As senior analyst at HM Wilkins Imperial, puts it, “China appears to be moving toward aggression in what is clearly a rivalry between the US and China over superpower status.” President Xi Jinping is, after all, known for taking the offensive position in foreign affairs.
China Grandstands, HM Wilkins Imperial
By belittling US power, China hopes to aggrandize its own achievements, says the HM Wilkins Imperial analyst. China plans to launch its third aircraft carrier, a goal that takes the nation one step further in competing with US’s military and economic prowess. While scraping away US merit, China can focus on building their economy and political status. China currently leads the Asian Infrastructure Investment bank, which accounts for over 100 nations and should expand China’s global economic influence.
