'China's Diplomatic Fighter' Zhao Lijian Steps Down as Spokesperson... Signs of Easing 'Wolf Warrior Diplomacy'?

Appointed as Vice President of Border and Maritime Affairs from Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Bloomberg "Possibility of Softer Diplomatic Approach"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Zhao Lijian, once hailed as the 'Wolf Warrior diplomacy star' within China, has suddenly changed positions, drawing attention. Although it appears to be a lateral move in rank rather than a dismissal, some speculate that China’s previously tough Wolf Warrior diplomacy might be softening.

According to the list of officials by department posted on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on the 9th, spokesperson Zhao Lijian moved from Deputy Director of the Ministry’s Press Department (Spokesperson’s Office) to Deputy Director of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs. The Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs oversees territorial and maritime sovereignty disputes China has with various countries, including exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundary negotiations with South Korea. As a result, the Ministry’s spokesperson team, which previously had four members, now consists of three: Hua Chunying, Wang Wenbin, and Mao Ning.

Zhao Lijian has been known for his tough rhetoric against some Western countries, including the United States, amid ongoing global hegemonic competition, earning him the nickname "fighting rooster." His confident stance on the Chinese system and straightforward diplomatic tone have been well received, with his briefings broadcast on CCTV achieving the highest viewership among the four spokespersons, granting him celebrity-level popularity. However, he has been absent from regular briefings for over a month since December 2 of last year.

His remarks, intended to stir patriotism, have sometimes provoked public backlash. In 2020, when the U.S. moved to ban the use of China’s representative messenger app WeChat, he posted a warning about boycotting iPhones on his social media, but was criticized because the post was marked as sent from "Twitter for iPhone." Last month, his wife posted on her social media that she was "unable to find fever medicine," which sparked criticism accusing them of forced emotional manipulation.

Bloomberg News described Zhao’s departure as a "signal that China is reconsidering its so-called 'Wolf Warrior diplomacy' approach," suggesting that after years of firm communication, China may be opting for a softer diplomatic stance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.