Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: China's Aggressive Foreign Policy Strategy

Wolf Warrior Diplomacy is a term used to describe the aggressive and confrontational approach to diplomacy adopted by diplomats of the People's Republic of China in the late 2010s. The phrase is derived from the Chinese action film franchise Wolf Warrior, which features a patriotic Chinese protagonist fighting corrupt foreigners. This style of diplomacy involves vocally denouncing any criticism of the Chinese government and its policies on social media and in interviews, sometimes resulting in physical altercations. While it has been celebrated by Chinese nationalists, Wolf Warrior Diplomacy has been perceived negatively outside of China, with some arguing that it has damaged China's interests and relations with other countries.

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Wolf Warrior diplomacy is a form of coercive diplomacy

Wolf Warrior diplomacy is characterised by aggressive and confrontational behaviour, with proponents vocally denouncing perceived criticism of the Chinese government, its ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and associated policies on social media and in interviews. This style of diplomacy is often aimed at capturing the attention of the foreign ministry or leaders in Beijing rather than influencing Chinese citizens. It represents a tactical change in how the Chinese government and the CCP relate to the rest of the world and their domestic audiences. The use of social media by Chinese diplomats is a new phenomenon, and Twitter has become an integral tool for Wolf Warrior diplomacy, despite being banned in China.

The shift towards Wolf Warrior diplomacy can be understood as a response to China's fear of "ideological designs" from the West and its perception of increased "anti-China hostility". It also reflects a generational shift in diplomatic style, with a younger cadre of diplomats rising through the ranks of the Chinese diplomatic service. These diplomats are more active on social media and are incentivised to give controversial interviews. The behaviour that attracts the most attention has been on Twitter, with diplomats denouncing any criticism of China and engaging in sarcasm and anger towards their critics.

Wolf Warrior diplomacy has had negative consequences for China's international reputation and interests. A Pew Research Center poll found that a median of 76% of adults surveyed across 24 countries did not think China considers the interests of other countries in its foreign policy. In response to this deterioration in China's international reputation, CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping called for improvements in the country's international communication in 2021. Despite this, Wolf Warrior diplomacy remains a dominant way for Chinese diplomats to interact with the outside world, and this behaviour continues to be rewarded by the party centre.

It is a departure from former Chinese foreign policy

Wolf Warrior diplomacy is a departure from traditional Chinese foreign policy, which focused on working behind the scenes, avoiding controversy, and favouring a rhetoric of international cooperation. This new approach is more confrontational and combative, with Chinese diplomats vocally denouncing any criticism of the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and associated policies on social media and in interviews. This shift in tactics can be understood as a tactical change in how the Chinese government and the CCP relate to the rest of the world and their domestic audiences.

The term "Wolf Warrior diplomacy" is derived from the Chinese action film franchise "Wolf Warrior" (2015) and its 2017 sequel, "Wolf Warrior 2". The films depict an ultra-patriotic Chinese protagonist fighting corrupt foreigners while rescuing Chinese citizens in peril, reflecting the Chinese government's desire to protect its citizens worldwide. This fighting spirit is also embodied by Xi Jinping, who has encouraged diplomats to defend China more aggressively on the world stage.

This style of diplomacy represents a departure from former leader Deng Xiaoping's "tao guang yang hui" approach, which can be roughly translated as "hide your ability and bide your time." Deng's philosophy served the CCP well, particularly in the years following the Tiananmen Square protests. However, under Xi, China's foreign policy has become more assertive, and its slow initial response to the pandemic worsened its reputation internationally. A Pew Research Center poll found that 76% of adults surveyed across 24 countries believed that China does not consider the interests of other countries in its foreign policy decisions.

Wolf Warrior diplomacy is often played out on Twitter, which is banned in China. Chinese diplomats have embraced social media to engage with foreign counterparts and capture the attention of leaders in Beijing. This shift to social media may be due to the realisation that traditional media does not reach the desired audiences. While Wolf Warrior diplomacy has been rewarded by the party centre, it has also faced backlash, with some analysts noting that it has damaged China's interests in several cases.

It is a response to perceived anti-China hostility

Wolf Warrior diplomacy is a confrontational form of public diplomacy adopted by diplomats of the People's Republic of China in the late 2010s. The phrase is derived from the Chinese action film franchise "Wolf Warrior" and its 2017 sequel. This coercive style of diplomacy is in contrast to diplomatic practices that emphasise cooperation and the avoidance of controversy.

Wolf Warrior diplomacy is a response to perceived anti-China hostility from the West, and fear of "ideological designs" from Western nations. It is also a reflection of an ideological struggle with the Western world. Analysts have noted that the use of Wolf Warrior rhetoric and tactics is a response to China's perception of increased anti-China hostility or threats to national stability. This shift in public diplomacy can be understood as a tactical change in how the Chinese government and the CCP relate to the rest of the world and their domestic audiences.

The emergence of Wolf Warrior diplomacy has been linked to Xi Jinping's political ambitions and foreign policy inclinations, particularly his ""Major Country Diplomacy", which has legitimised a more active role for China on the world stage. Xi's foreign policy, perceived anti-China hostility, and shifts within the Chinese diplomatic bureaucracy have been cited as factors leading to the emergence of Wolf Warrior diplomacy. Xi Jinping's thought on diplomacy has also been seen as a contributing factor, as it encourages China to engage in open ideological struggle with the West.

The style of Wolf Warrior diplomacy involves the use of confrontational rhetoric, coercive behaviour, and a willingness to rebuff criticism of the Chinese government and its policies. This is often done through social media and interviews, with proponents vocally denouncing perceived criticism of the government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and associated policies. This approach is in stark contrast to traditional diplomatic practices, which emphasise bridge-building and finding common ground, even in the face of disagreements.

While Wolf Warrior diplomacy has been viewed positively by Chinese politicians and diplomats, who see it as a reflection of China's rise in national strength, it has faced criticism and backlash internationally. It has been perceived as counterproductive and damaging to China's interests in many cases, with some analysts noting that it has contributed to a deterioration in China's international reputation.

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It is a tactic used by Chinese diplomats to interact with the outside world

Wolf Warrior diplomacy is a tactic used by Chinese diplomats to interact with the outside world. It is a confrontational form of diplomacy that contrasts with traditional diplomatic practices that emphasize cooperation and the avoidance of controversy. The phrase "Wolf Warrior diplomacy" is derived from the Chinese action film franchise "Wolf Warrior", which features a patriotic Chinese protagonist fighting corrupt foreigners while rescuing Chinese citizens. This style of diplomacy is often combative, with its proponents vocally denouncing any perceived criticism of the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and associated policies on social media and in interviews. Some analysts view the rise of Wolf Warrior diplomacy as a response to China's fear of "ideological designs" from the West and a perception of increased "anti-China hostility".

Wolf Warrior diplomacy represents a shift in China's foreign policy approach, moving away from the previous strategy of "hiding its strength" and working behind the scenes to a more assertive and nationalist stance. This shift is also reflected in the promotion and reward of diplomats who display strident nationalism, such as Zhao Lijian, who became a foreign ministry spokesperson known for his fiery tweets defending China. The use of social media, particularly Twitter, has become an integral tool for Wolf Warrior diplomacy, allowing Chinese diplomats to engage directly with foreign audiences and capture the attention of leaders in Beijing.

While Wolf Warrior diplomacy has gained popularity in China, it has also faced criticism and backlash. Some analysts argue that it has damaged China's interests and led to a deterioration of China's international reputation. In response to these concerns, there have been calls for softening the tone of Wolf Warrior diplomacy, and some pullbacks from official support for this approach have occurred.

Wolf Warrior diplomacy has been associated with coercive tactics employed by China in its interactions with other nations. For example, in Bangladesh, Chinese diplomats have used aggressive rhetoric to threaten Bangladesh against joining the QUAD alliance and pressured the country to change the depiction of certain territories in maps and textbooks to align with Chinese claims. These incidents highlight the confrontational nature of Wolf Warrior diplomacy and its potential impact on China's relationships with other countries.

Overall, Wolf Warrior diplomacy represents a tactical shift in how Chinese diplomats interact with the outside world, adopting a more aggressive and nationalist tone in their engagements with foreign audiences. While this approach has gained traction among Chinese diplomats, it has also faced criticism and prompted discussions about recalibrating China's external messaging.

It is most evident on Twitter

Wolf warrior diplomacy is a confrontational form of public diplomacy adopted by diplomats of the People's Republic of China in the late 2010s. The phrase is derived from the Chinese action film franchise Wolf Warrior, in which a Chinese special forces soldier fights with foreign mercenaries and protects Chinese civilians overseas. This style of diplomacy is combative, with its proponents vocally denouncing perceived criticism of the Chinese government, its ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and associated policies on social media and in interviews.

Wolf-warrior tweets improve Twitter audience engagement, though they may bring out adverse feelings in some audiences. A study found that positive messages emphasizing aid and friendship improved perceptions of China, even in times of escalating violent conflict. However, messages from so-called "Wolf Warrior" diplomats that harshly criticize international rivals are ineffective and can backfire in times of crisis.

Wolf warrior diplomacy is a departure from former Chinese foreign policy, which focused on working behind the scenes, avoiding controversy, and favouring a rhetoric of international cooperation. This shift in public diplomacy can be understood as a tactical change in how the Chinese government and the CCP relate to the rest of the world and their domestic audiences. Analysts point to a younger cadre of diplomats who have worked their way up the ranks of the Chinese diplomatic service, causing a generational shift in diplomatic style, such as an increased use of social media like Twitter.

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