China does not seem to soften its foreign policy stance in a historic third term for Xi as leader, despite criticism from the West that Beijing’s so called “Wolf Warrior” approach has been counterproductive. Chinese diplomats have often been confrontational in their remarks on public stage, including the social media, as relations with the West has become more tense over issues such as human rights, Covid-19 and trade. Although, the approach is likely to be taken for the domestic audience, critics say it still hurts foreign relations.

“We Chinese will not capitulate. We will not sit and do nothing while our country’s interests are being harmed,” Vice Foreign Minister Ma said in response to a question at a Thursday news conference to discuss Chinese diplomacy in the decade since Xi assumed power.

“Going forward, Chinese diplomats will continue to overcome all obstacles, and always be the devoted guardians of the interests of our country and our people,” he added. Ma is considered as a contender for the seat of Foreign Minister in an upcoming leadership reshuffle.

At next month’s once-in-five years congress of the ruling Communist Party, Xi is preparing for a historic third term as leader.

Xi has urged Chinese diplomats to have more “fighting spirit”, an instruction that has seen many Chinese officials take to social media platforms including Twitter, which is blocked in China, with an aggression that has come to be known as “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy.

Surveys suggest that public opinion has started to turned more negative towards China in the United States and other advanced economies.