Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying recently responded to the “wolf warrior” accusation from some Western media on China’s diplomacy. Hua asked on Thursday, “How can China just be a silent lamb” when it comes to malicious “wolf-like attacks?” The following day Hua added that the “wolf warrior” label is “unfair stigmatization of China’s diplomacy” when China speaks the truth and defends its interests and dignity.

The phrase “wolf warrior” seems to have become a frequently-used label for China’s diplomacy by some foreign media. In addition to Hua, her fellow Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian is also labeled a “wolf-warrior” diplomat by the West, because Zhao has taken to Twitter to hit back against unwarranted Western criticisms.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng has elaborated on the same issue. Le said on December 5 that the “wolf warrior diplomacy” label is actually another version of the “China threat” theory and another “discourse trap,” whose purpose is to prevent China from fighting back and push China to give up fighting.

The ongoing spotlight on China’s diplomatic style reflects some sort of tension between China’s rise and the Western countries. As the world’s second-largest economy and the first major economy to recover from the pandemic, China is tentatively taking a more confident outward pose. The West may not be instantly used to that.

In fact, both China and the West are still seeking ways to better adapt to each other amid tremendous changes.

With its rise, China has seized greater discourse power and is actively adjusting its diplomatic style to fit its responsibilities and influences. Chinese diplomats, who reportedly used to stay low-key in the global stage, are now in the front and exploring their roles and approaches in today’s dynamic dialogue between China and other countries. Sometimes they face a dilemma: if the diplomatic style is too tough, they might be branded by some people as “wolf warriors,” and if too soft, they may lose the opportunity to tell the truth.

Defending one’s interests with “good manners” is crucial for each country in the global community, and China is trying to achieve that balance. When facing external interference and unscrupulous attacks, China has taken a tougher tone, but the country, which sticks to peaceful development, has never meant to be belligerent or aggressive. Its principles are clearly shown with its actions during the COVID-19 pandemic: say no to stigmatization and shoulder its responsibilities in cooperation with other countries to overcome the public health crisis. As a firm defender of international order, China has the capability to elegantly present its diplomatic stance, and will have more chances to do so.

How the West should respond to a more confident China is another critical issue. Some Western countries have made malicious attacks and hold ridiculous misunderstandings of China’s rise. They feel challenged and hope China will be submissive or even silent. But China’s rising role in the world requires a clearer diplomatic style. If other countries stick with an outdated perspective that China should behave as humbly as they expect, this will only harm themselves - they may never be able to learn about the real China.

Moreover, a new international order is being shaped as more emerging economies besides China play a bigger role globally. Some Western countries should get a better understanding of the facts and reconsider their ideas and narratives. Staying narrow-minded and self-centered will only get them further from the truth.

China has a long history of etiquette, as well as the traditions and principles to fight for its interests and dignity. China’s ties with the world face complex opportunities and challenges, especially in the post-pandemic era. While China is adjusting itself to interact with the world, some Western countries should get ready for the changing circumstances.