ChinaTalk China's Wolf Warrior Diplomacy, Part 2
Feb 4, 2022
Peter Martin, author of "China's Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy," joins Schwarzman scholar Jason Zhou to explore the evolution of China's diplomatic style. They discuss the youthful diplomats of the '80s and how their ethos transformed into the assertive 'Wolf Warrior' approach today. Fascinating tidbits arise, from Xi Jinping's in-laws to the significance of Tiananmen in shaping modern strategies. The duo also humorously touches on why Chinese right-wingers send calcium pills to the foreign ministry. It's a deep dive into the nuances of nationalistic rhetoric in diplomacy.
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Cultural Shock in New York
- In 1971, Chinese diplomats in New York were struck by the vibrant colors of clothing and signs.
- This contrasted sharply with the monochrome uniformity of communist Beijing.
Canadian Suburbia
- Chinese diplomats visiting Canada in 1970 mistook an old folks' home for a Potemkin village.
- They were amazed by the abundance and uniformity of suburban life across Canada.
Post-Mao Uncertainty
- After Mao's death, China's future trajectory was uncertain, even for diplomats.
- Diplomats pieced together information from foreign news sources to understand the political shifts.
