China’s former top envoy warns about current diplomatic strategy toward the U.S., takes a dig at ‘wolf warrior diplomacy’

China’s former ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai has warned about China’s current diplomatic strategy toward the U.S. At a prestigious symposium organized last month by a think tank

China’s former ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai has warned about China’s current diplomatic strategy toward the U.S. At a prestigious symposium organized last month by a think tank under China’s Foreign Ministry, he indicated that China has locked itself in a “war of attrition” with the US without making careful preparations, driven by emotion. According to a Japan based newspaper report, in his candid remarks, Cui – China’s longest serving ambassador to the United States, asserted that China must be very vigilant while dealing with the US. His remarks came as China has been battling a difficult economic situation and its aggressive policies have been increasing tensions in the neighborhood, drawing the attention of the international community.
Taking a dig at China’s “wolf warrior diplomacy”, the diplomat urged China to stop being swayed by US provocations. “In principle, we should not fight a war we are not prepared for, a war we are not sure of winning, a war of anger and attrition,” Cui said adding that “we must not allow our gains to be plundered by anyone or suffer losses due to our own carelessness, laziness and incompetence.” In the face of complex situations, we must always have the country at large in mind, and not always think about being an internet celebrity,” Cui further said, as reported by the newspaper. It noted that by presenting a sharp analysis of problems with China’s diplomacy, Cui differed from other diplomats who play up to President Xi Jinping.

China’s current tough line on the US has been spearheaded by top diplomat Yang Jiechi, a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s powerful Politburo, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Cui’s message was that China’s current diplomacy is missing the grand picture as it busily engages in a war of words, the newspaper said. Instead of tit-for-tat slapping of sanctions, Cui said it would be more prudent for China to establish an environment that allows American companies to remain and flourish in the country, rather than allow the U.S. government to leash tech companies like Apple and Intel and take them back home.
Cui served as Chinese ambassador to the US for eight long years, before heading home in June 2021. He observed changes in United States’ China policy under three presidents – Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. By the time Cui left Washington, the relations between the US and China had plunged into crisis. Observers see the remarks by one of Xi’s most trusted diplomat in this context