How China Wants to Become “Reliable, Lovable and Respectable”

Xi Jinping wants to make new friends. The Chinese president called on communist officials and state media to work to build a more “reliable, kind and respectable” image of the country, according to the Xinhua news agency, which is echoed by the BBC. How does he plan to do it? By improving its international communication and expanding its circle of friendly countries. This statement by Xi Jinping comes as China’s relations with the major world powers are quite strained.

The Covid-19 pandemic has not helped China heal its diplomatic relations. Quite the contrary. Recently, the thesis of the laboratory accident, which would be at the origin of the spread of the coronavirus, has been relaunched in the United States. Beijing obviously did not like it and accused Washington of “political manipulation” and “transfer of responsibilities”.

What about the “wolf fighters” strategy?

Xi Jinping also asked Chinese diplomats to do everything to convey a positive and open image of the country. This speech is opposed to the so-called “wolf fighters” strategy, consisting in encouraging these diplomats to be aggressive, even if it means spreading fake news and defaming their international adversaries (especially on social networks), in order to defend propaganda Chinese in the face of Western political models.

The tone had really risen in recent months, especially with the United States. Xi Jinping’s beautiful speech has been heard. But international observers remain suspicious and await concrete action before the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party and the next Winter Olympics, which will be held in Beijing in February 2022.