Why Have Chinese Diplomats Become So Aggressive?

Abstract

This article explores why Chinese diplomats have become so aggressive, discarding the professionalism and courtesy that have facilitated China's engagement with the world for more than four decades. Some argue that Chinese diplomats want to distract foreign audiences from Beijing's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Others suggest that they are trying to demonstrate their strength abroad in response to popular nationalism at home. Still others argue that their bluster is intended to show their loyalty to President and Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping. All of these explanations appear to be valid to some extent.