I think they’re provoking a response so they can “prove” the aggressiveness of authoritarian China or whatever. Then they can publish spicy headlines to sway public opinion
Gotta agree. The spin is something along the lines of “We came to those backwards barbarians with our hands extended in peace, and they swatted us aside for exercising our FREE SPEECH! Clearly it indicates how bellicose and authoritarian they are!”
Maybe intentional self-sabotage for the purposes of manufacturing consent? Or perhaps just simply pandering to their racist countrymen and colleagues. If you’re not constantly saying “China bad” you might get mistaken for an evil CCP shill, so its best to set the record straight before you leave.
I feel like it’s that last one. If they don’t make an anti-China gesture, people might think they are evil authoritarian supporter.
Remember, diplomacy is now only talking to people who agree with you 100% on everything. Otherwise you are expected to walk out of any meetings they have been invited to. My nephew would be a better diplomat than most of these assholes.
Huge contradictions in that they need China but also want to project tough guy energy and seem like they’re still relevant on the international stage riding off the legacy of their colonial empires
what the fuck is up with imperialist Westerners taking stances against China, then going on diplomatic visits there.
“hello yes, I stand in opposition to your sovereignty and your authority in the international sphere. Pls be friendly wif me uwu” shut the fuck up
I think they’re provoking a response so they can “prove” the aggressiveness of authoritarian China or whatever. Then they can publish spicy headlines to sway public opinion
Gotta agree. The spin is something along the lines of “We came to those backwards barbarians with our hands extended in peace, and they swatted us aside for exercising our FREE SPEECH! Clearly it indicates how bellicose and authoritarian they are!”
Maybe intentional self-sabotage for the purposes of manufacturing consent? Or perhaps just simply pandering to their racist countrymen and colleagues. If you’re not constantly saying “China bad” you might get mistaken for an evil CCP shill, so its best to set the record straight before you leave.
I feel like it’s that last one. If they don’t make an anti-China gesture, people might think they are evil authoritarian supporter.
Remember, diplomacy is now only talking to people who agree with you 100% on everything. Otherwise you are expected to walk out of any meetings they have been invited to. My nephew would be a better diplomat than most of these assholes.
This is why I clearly mark myself as a CPC bot to set the record straight
Huge contradictions in that they need China but also want to project tough guy energy and seem like they’re still relevant on the international stage riding off the legacy of their colonial empires