When China wants to be feared
Taking Canadian hostages was a message to America’s allies
SURPRISINGLY OFTEN, Chinese diplomacy resembles an iron fist in a silk glove. Depending on political winds back home, China’s envoys learn to balance fist-waving threats with silken words about peace and friendship. Just now, the gloves are coming off.
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “When China wants to be feared”
From the October 2nd 2021 edition
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