China Calls Itself a Panda, ‘Big But Not Threatening’

The metaphor came in response to two recent articles from Western media outlets, which argued that fears of China’s growing power have crossed over to the paranoid.

 

The articles were written by Fareed Zakaria and James Curran for Foreign Affairs and the Australian Financial Review, respectively.

In his article, Zakaria articulated how China, despite being a one-party state, “hardly qualifies as a mortal danger” to the “imperfect” liberal international order, which the United States has worked to achieve since the aftermath of World War II.

Meanwhile, Curran shed light on how Australia is caught between China’s “increasingly aggressive” position toward exceptionalism and America’s weakening credibility in Asia, which ultimately resulted in Canberra’s strategic anxiety “stepping into the world of paranoia.”

At a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday, ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that she had read both articles, which she also praised on Twitter for their “objectiveness.”

“Indeed, some politicians and media in western countries seem to be plagued by ‘China phobia and paranoia,’ which is manifested as backlash against China on all fronts,” Hua told reporters. “They slander and smear China in every possible way, confuse right with wrong and have lost their moral compass and conscience.”

The spokesperson went on to highlight China’s peaceful foreign policy. “We have not initiated wars, interfered in others’ internal affairs, occupied a single inch of other countries’ territory, or violated international rules and order. We are open and aboveboard in our policies and actions. We are just living a better and better life through our own efforts,” she said.

Hua also pointed out the country’s resilience in dealing with threats, asserting that it only fights the necessary battles in pursuit of equality and dignity.

“When China’s sovereignty and security are threatened or infringed upon, we have shown greater ability and confidence to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests. When others throw dirt on us, we are now able to wipe it off more swiftly and effectively. We fight the necessary battles just to win the equality and dignity we deserve,” the spokesperson said.

Finally, Hua likened China to its national animal, the giant panda.

In a Twitter post, Hua expressed appreciation for Zakaria and Curran’s “vision and objectiveness,” reiterating that “big doesn’t mean threat.”

“[The] ONLY THERAPY for dangerous #Chinaphobia: Openness & Inclusiveness,” she added.

The tweet drew mixed reactions from users:

Feature Images via Xinhua (Left), @MFA_China (Right)