ChinaTalk China's Wolf Warrior Diplomacy, Part 1
Jan 26, 2022
Peter Martin, author of "China’s Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy," dives into the evolution of China's foreign ministry's strategies. He discusses the historical challenges faced by diplomats transitioning from guerrilla leaders to representatives abroad. The conversation reveals how personal memoirs provide insight into the complexities of Chinese diplomacy, especially during politically turbulent times like the Cultural Revolution. Martin highlights the nuanced relationships with the Soviet Union and the impact of ideological shifts on China's diplomatic identity.
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China's Diplomatic Struggle
- China's diplomatic corps struggles to communicate with the world due to the conflicting demands of Chinese politics and global diplomacy.
- Diplomats must navigate the closed, secretive world of Chinese politics while operating in the open, cosmopolitan world of international relations.
Zhou Enlai's Formative Years in France
- Zhou Enlai's time in France exposed him to the struggles of French workers under capitalism, pushing him towards Marxism.
- Witnessing China's humiliation at the Versailles Conference further fueled his revolutionary spirit.
Robespierre Postcard
- Zhou Enlai gifted his girlfriend a postcard of Robespierre with a guillotine reference, showcasing his early revolutionary fervor.
- This experience in France shaped his and other revolutionaries' worldview.
