Coronavirus: they’re only answering Xi Jinping’s call but are China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ diplomats doing more harm than good?

The South China Morning Post ^ | April 27, 2020 | by Shi Jiangtao

[Oldeconomybuyer]

With much of the world still in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, China’s diplomats are fighting an uphill battle to fend off criticism of the country’s initial handling of the crisis and reset the narrative about the origins of the deadly coronavirus.

Elsewhere in the world, Beijing’s critics and opponents are redoubling their efforts as they go in pursuit of justice and reparations, or at the very least, a scapegoat.

In recent weeks, some of China’s most seasoned ambassadors have found themselves embroiled in a war of words with their host countries. But rather than adopting the traditional approach of managing tensions through diplomatic protocols, as the storms have raged, many of them have risen to the call of Chinese President Xi Jinping and displayed their “fighting spirit”, often at the expense of the country’s global image, pundits say.

Last week alone, at least seven Chinese ambassadors – to France, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and the African Union – were summoned by their hosts to answer charges ranging from spreading rumours and misinformation to the “racist mistreatment” of Africans in the south China city of Guangzhou.

The clashes correspond with a shift in gear in the wider coronavirus blame game, with ever more countries – Germany, France, Britain, Australia and Canada among them – joining the United States in pressing Beijing for greater transparency regarding its initial cover-ups and other missteps.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

[McGavin999]

No matter what they do China is headed down the tubes. How can such an ancient civilization behave in such an uncivilized manner. CCO are vicious and mean.

I think we should refuse visas for Chinese students.

[glorgau]

How can such an ancient civilization behave in such an uncivilized manner.

Easy, they got up to the 17th century and stopped developing a more modern culture.

[A Formerly Proud Canadian]

FWIW, they are ten centuries ahead of the mohamedans! Small consolation.

[Wilhelm Tell]

And the mainstream media will eagerly repeat Chinese propaganda, no matter how ridiculous it is. The left will never allow criticism of a communist country.

[Travis McGee]

[sauropod]

bkmk

[edwinland]

Pang Zhongying, a visiting senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, said that despite Beijing’s efforts to revitalise its diplomatic corps with increased funding and a new breed of younger, more professional statesmen, there remained a dearth of suitable talent.

Out of 1 billion people? Fascinating