Chinese Diplomacy: from “Fighting Spirit” to “Warrior Wolf”
The COVID-19 pandemic has led China to develop aggressive communication, with diplomatic missions using social media extensively to spread a positive image of Chinese achievements and to criticize Western countries.
This is an opportunity to assert an unabashed desire for power and to show “fighting spirit” in line with Xi Jinping's thinking on international issues. However, the overall effect could well be negative for China's international image.
Marc Julienne is Research Fellow, Head of China Research, Center for Asian Studies, Ifri.
Sophie Hanck is student at the École normale supérieure in Lyon, and research assistant at the Asia Center of Ifri.
Article published in Politique étrangère, Vol. 86, No. 1, Spring 2021.