The diplomatic relationships between Western countries and China are characterized by a delicate balance of cooperation and contention.
This complexity is driven by several factors, including China’s rapid economic and military development, its assertive foreign policy, historical grievances, and ideological differences.
Wolf Warrior Diplomacy
One of the most prominent aspects of China’s modern diplomatic approach is “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy, named after a popular Chinese action film. This term describes a more assertive and sometimes aggressive stance taken by Chinese diplomats.
Unlike the traditionally cautious and measured Chinese diplomacy, “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy is characterized by vehement defenses of China’s interests and aggressive rebuttals against perceived slights.
This approach has strained relationships with Western countries, who view it as belligerent and counterproductive to international cooperation.
Economic and Military Development
China’s rapid economic growth has transformed it into a global powerhouse. Alongside this economic surge, China has significantly bolstered its military capabilities.
This combination of economic and military strength has emboldened China to take a more assertive stance on the global stage, leading to tensions with Western nations.
The West often perceives China’s rise as a challenge to the existing international order, which has been dominated by Western countries since the end of World War II.
Nationalistic Identity and the Century of Humiliation
The Communist Party of China (CCP) has fostered a strong sense of nationalistic pride among the Chinese people. This nationalism is rooted in the historical narrative of the “Century of Humiliation,” a period from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries during which China suffered subjugation by foreign powers.
The CCP has used this narrative to unite the nation and fuel a collective determination to ensure that China never again faces such humiliation.
This nationalistic fervor often manifests as pride, arrogance, and aggression, especially in diplomatic interactions with Western countries, which are seen as the primary culprits of past humiliations.
Economic Practices and Allegations of Espionage
China’s economic strategy has involved mastering and mass-producing technologies originally developed in the West. This has led to allegations of intellectual property theft and hacking against Western companies.
Numerous reports have accused Chinese state-sponsored actors of cyber espionage aimed at stealing proprietary information to gain competitive advantages. These practices have led to significant mistrust and have complicated diplomatic relations.
National Pride and Cultural Superiority
The CCP promotes a narrative that emphasizes the superiority of Han Chinese culture and the Chinese people. This sense of cultural superiority can exacerbate tensions with other countries and contribute to an aggressive foreign policy stance.
China’s claims over territories and seas based on historical explorations by ancient dynasties often defy international laws and conventions, leading to disputes with neighboring countries and Western powers supporting those nations.
Space Exploration as a Show of Superiority
China’s ambitious space program is another area where it seeks to demonstrate its superiority. The race to advance in space exploration is part of China’s broader strategy to showcase its technological prowess and challenge the dominance of the United States and other Western nations in space. This pursuit has strategic, scientific, and symbolic significance, further fueling competition and tension with the West.
Recent Xenophobic Nationalism
There have been instances of xenophobic nationalism in China, leading to attacks on foreigners and even Chinese citizens perceived as being too aligned with Western values. For example, there have been reports of Chinese children attacking Japanese and American peers, and professors facing hostility or even violence for their perceived foreign ties.
These incidents reflect a broader trend of rising nationalism and intolerance, exacerbating diplomatic tensions.
The diplomatic relationships between Western countries and China are fraught with complexity, driven by China’s assertive “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy, rapid development, and historical grievances.
The CCP’s promotion of national pride and cultural superiority, economic practices involving intellectual property theft, territorial claims, and ambitions in space exploration all contribute to a delicate and often contentious dynamic.
As China continues to rise, managing these diplomatic relationships will require careful navigation to avoid conflict and promote mutual understanding and cooperation.