In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Mr. Peter Martin joins us to discuss his recent book, China’s Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy. Chinese diplomacy in the past several years has become more assertive and its diplomats have used sharper language — hence the name “wolf warrior diplomacy,” which comes from a Chinese film. Peter Martin’s research traces the roots of wolf warrior diplomacy to the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and its first diplomat, Zhou Enlai. Martin discusses China’s diplomacy today and its impact. He explains that although there are some critics in China of wolf warrior diplomacy, it is popular among the general public amid rising nationalist sentiment in the country. In addition, Mr. Martin discusses how both public opinion and the directives of Xi Jingping have combined to force China’s diplomatic corps to be assertive players in international relations. Lastly, Mr. Martin describes the motivations behind wolf warrior diplomacy and how diplomats are being rewarded for their aggressive rhetoric and posture.
Mr. Peter Martin is a political reporter for Bloomberg News. Mr. Martin has written extensively about China and U.S.-China relations. His latest book is China’s Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy, which will be published in April 2021.