TLDR;
This video discusses several instances of China's assertive and often confrontational diplomatic tactics. It covers the alleged water supply suspension to the British embassy in Beijing, the backlash against a potential Japanese prime minister, restrictions imposed on a US Council General in Hong Kong, and incidents involving Pacific Island nations. The video argues that these actions reflect a pattern of behaviour where China uses economic leverage and coercive tactics to pressure other nations and challenge international norms.
- China allegedly suspended the water supply to the British embassy in Beijing to pressure the UK government to approve China's plan to build a new mega embassy in London.
- China reacted strongly to Sana Takayichi's potential election as Japan's first female prime minister, using state media smear campaigns and nationalist online rhetoric.
- China imposed restrictions on the US Council General in Hong Kong, limiting engagement with certain individuals and activities.
- China's envoy interrupted a meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum to criticise Taiwan's participation, angering Nauru's president.
Alleged Water Supply Suspension to the British Embassy in Beijing [0:00]
A report indicated that Chinese authorities suspended the water supply to the British embassy in Beijing, allegedly to pressure the UK government to approve China's plan to build a new mega embassy in London. British diplomats are working in a dilapidated building, and the suspension is seen as a calculated move violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This incident has sparked debate, drawing parallels to the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. A satirical social media post suggested escalating the pressure with tactics reminiscent of the Boxer Rebellion, including sieges and disruptive activities. Some online users suggested reciprocal measures against the Chinese embassy in the UK.
Historical Context and Current Situation of the British Embassy [3:18]
The British Embassy in Beijing, located in the first embassy district since 1959, has faced challenges, including a major incident during the Cultural Revolution in 1967. The aging facilities now experience frequent issues with water, electricity, and security systems. A refurbishment contract was approved in 2020, but Chinese authorities have repeatedly delayed the project. Beijing authorities have obstructed the UK's application to rebuild its embassy, citing the rejection of its proposed new embassy in London as a reason. The London embassy project has become a key bargaining chip in bilateral relations.
China's Proposed Mega Embassy in London [5:16]
In 2018, China purchased the former Royal Mint site to build a super embassy, which would be the UK's largest foreign embassy and China's largest diplomatic facility in Europe. The project has faced opposition from local council members and residents due to safety concerns and China's human rights record. The Tower Hamlet's council rejected the proposal in late 2022. UK and US officials have warned that the site's strategic location could make it a hub for Chinese intelligence activities. After the Labour Party took power in July 2024, Chinese authorities resubmitted the application, and the UK housing department extended the project's decision deadline.
Diplomatic Pressure and Reactions [8:39]
Conservative MP Ian Duncan Smith criticised Beijing's water cutoff as a shocking tactic, reflecting a coercive approach. China's diplomacy has grown more assertive under Xi Jinping, using economic leverage and infrastructure control to pressure other nations.
China's Reaction to Sana Takayichi's Potential Election in Japan [9:28]
China reacted strongly to Sana Takayichi's potential election as Japan's first female prime minister, using state media smear campaigns and nationalist online rhetoric. Takayichi's conservative stance, including her Yasuni shrine visits and support for constitutional reforms, has drawn China's ire. Chinese state media labelled her a right-wing politician, warning that her policies could intensify China-Japan friction. Criticism extended to China's controlled online platforms, with negative comments flooding Waybo and BU.
Restrictions on US Council General in Hong Kong [12:10]
In Hong Kong, new US Council General Julie Eda faced a formal protest from China's Foreign Ministry Representative, demanding adherence to restrictions, including not meeting certain individuals and not interfering in national security cases. Eda's welcome reception drew attacks from pro-Beijing media. Critics say these restrictions violate the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Incidents Involving Pacific Island Nations [13:40]
At the Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru, a Chinese envoy interrupted a meeting to criticise Taiwan's participation, angering Nauru's president. This incident aligns with China's debt diplomacy, where nations accepting Chinese loans face continued pressure. In 2021, Ghana closed Taiwan's office under Chinese influence. These cases reveal China's diplomatic pattern of exploiting weaker nations, using economic leverage and coercive tactics.
Conclusion: China's Diplomatic Patterns and the Need for a Unified Response [14:42]
Xi Jinping's wolf warrior diplomacy mirrors domestic control tactics, deflecting internal issues through external aggression. These are not isolated incidents, but systemic behaviours. Democratic nations must avoid appeasement and collaborate to counter these tactics and uphold international norms.