Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defends ‘wolf warrior’ diplomats for standing up to ‘smears’
- Minister tells ‘two sessions’ press conference that country will ‘hit back against malicious slanders and firmly defend national honour’
- Some diplomats have adopted an increasingly combative tone that has caused increasing friction, particularly with the United States
China’s foreign minister has defended the country’s combative “wolf warrior” diplomacy, saying the country will stand firm in defending the national interest and combating “smears”.
Wang Yi, who is also a State Councillor, also lashed out at attempts to sue China for compensation over the Covid-19 pandemic, telling a press conference on Sunday that the law suits were “blackmail” and “frivolous”.
Wang was asked on the sidelines of national legislative meeting, or “two sessions”, whether China had abandoned its low-key approach in light of the confrontational stance adopted by some diplomats, who have been nicknamed “wolf warriors” after a series of nationalistic action movies.
The minister replied that the country had always sought to take an independent and peaceful approach but had principles and integrity.
“We will strongly hit back against malicious slanders and firmly defend national honour and dignity. We will lay out the truth to counter the gratuitous smears and to firmly uphold justice and conscience,” said Wang.