China unleashes 'wolf warriors' in diplomatic duel with Japan
11/21/2025 7:08:00 PM
Chinese diplomats airing hawkish views, known as "wolf warriors", have returned to the global stage, drumming up criticism of Japan's prime minister in countries that suffered from its military actions during World War Two.
A fortnight after new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers that an attack on Taiwan threatening Japan's survival would trigger a military response from Tokyo, China has not slowed the momentum of the vitriol poured out on her.
"The international community should focus more on understanding Japan's true intentions and whether Japan can still adhere to the path of peaceful development," said Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesperson.
She was responding to a query about China's "wolf warrior" diplomacy, characterised by a pointed and often acerbic style of engagement on social media, made at a regular briefing on Friday.
In Tokyo, speaking shortly before her departure for a G2O leaders' summit in South Africa, Takaichi said her position was unchanged and her comment did not represent a change in Japan's policy toward Taiwan.
A fortnight after new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers that an attack on Taiwan threatening Japan's survival would trigger a military response from Tokyo, China has not slowed the momentum of the vitriol poured out on her.
"The international community should focus more on understanding Japan's true intentions and whether Japan can still adhere to the path of peaceful development," said Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesperson.
She was responding to a query about China's "wolf warrior" diplomacy, characterised by a pointed and often acerbic style of engagement on social media, made at a regular briefing on Friday.
In Tokyo, speaking shortly before her departure for a G2O leaders' summit in South Africa, Takaichi said her position was unchanged and her comment did not represent a change in Japan's policy toward Taiwan.