China’s ‘wolf warrior’ foreign affairs spokesperson moved to new role
Zhao Lijian’s shift to low-profile department seen by some as a sign of Beijing softening its diplomatic strategy
The face of China’s “wolf warrior” diplomacy, Zhao Lijian, has been moved from his role as foreign affairs spokesperson to a low-profile department, in what some analysts say is a demotion.
Zhao is the most well-known of the ministry of foreign affairs’ public-facing spokespeople, making a name for himself during his three years fronting the foreign press, with strong criticism and hostility towards the west and combative defence of China’s policies.