Digital nationalism: How do the Chinese diplomats and digital public view “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy?

Abstract

The scholarship of “wolf warrior” diplomacy either studies the label under China’s digital diplomacy targeting the overseas audience or associates it with digital nationalism within China. However, we still know little about how “wolf warrior” is viewed by the Chinese diplomats and the Chinese digital public, respectively. This study identifies six moments when the Chinese diplomats publicly responded to the media question about the “wolf warrior” label. Through discourse analysis, this study finds that the Chinese diplomats defend and justify their assertive communication styles as counter-attacks to the Western attacks while refusing to recognize “wolf warrior” as the hallmark of China’s foreign policy. Meanwhile, by examining the most popular and representative user comments under Weibo posts featuring diplomatic responses, the study finds that most Chinese digital public exhibit varied nationalist sentiments, whereas some users defy the mainstream nationalist sentiment and challenge diplomatic assertiveness. This study shows more nuances in the interactions between the top-down and bottom-up nationalist approaches in China’s foreign policy. It suggests top-down state-driven forces’ essential but restrained role in shaping bottom-up nationalism.