Qin Gang went after States directly on several occasions, paving the way for a new generation of diplomats who, with their unabashed demeanors, reflect the People's Republic's newfound confidence. He is now China's new ambassador to the United States.
[Qin Gang,the new Chinese Ambassador to the United States]
When then-US President Barack Obama said in a speech in 2014 that the US will be the world's dominant power for the next century, Qin Gang came up with some clever phrases. It must be great to be the ruler of the universe. "For more than a century, China controlled the world." And it's likely that it also meant: and will be again.
It was not an easy task to bring the People's Republic to the United States. Relations between the United States and China are at an all-time low.
The Biden administration's highest-ranking official has just returned from Tianjin, Qin's hometown. When Beijing launched its tirades, she had not yet gone. The United States should stop "demonizing" and "slandering" China. A few hours later, US President Barack Obama warned of the rising threat posed by China, warning of the dangers of a "serious conflict." In a statement announcing his arrival, Qin mentioned a "new critical period."
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Relaxation is not in the cards, and resolving the conflict between the two superpowers will be a Herculean effort. And, unlike most of its predecessors, Qin Gang is unfamiliar with the country in which it is stationed. He has never dealt with the United States and has no personal or professional contacts in the capital. He spent nearly two decades at the Foreign Ministry after studying international politics in Beijing. He is most recognized for his tenure as the organization's spokesperson.
The ambassador was already establishing a reputation for himself with harsh comments before the film "Wolf Warrior 2" was published - subsequently named after the furious representatives of Beijing who raged against other countries. He was the first spokesman for the State Department whose name was remembered. Qin made repeated frontal attacks on nations and media, laying the path for a new generation of diplomats who have subsequently displayed China's newfound confidence through their outspoken appearances.
Under Qin, one thing is not to be expected: excess.
Other candidates for the crucial job in Washington, hesitant old-school diplomats with considerably more experience, were also considered. Finally, some diplomats viewed this hesitation as a disadvantage, as a sign of intimacy, for example - and therefore indulgence? This isn't what you'd expect from Qin.
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His recent position is likely to have had a role in his promotion. Foreign state visitors to China and Xi's excursions abroad were all arranged by Qin. Qin has not been a close confidante of the president for a long time. Before China's provincial party leader rose to prominence, they didn't know each other very well. In recent years, however, Qin's employment has provided him with exceptional access to Xi. Qin is now regarded as a confidante.
The diplomat announced his departure from Shanghai with a photo on Twitter last week. He had visited the Communist Party's foundation location, which had just celebrated its 100th birthday in July. He wrote that he will keep an eye on his objective. It remains to be seen if this entails reconciliation.
The last thing Beijing wants to do is gain favor with the US. This was expressed by Qin in 2014, shortly after Obama declined Beijing's offer to visit China during a trip to Asia. This is consistent with Xi's view that China's moment has come: the East is rising, the West is sinking, and the United States' demise is just a matter of time. "China will be there," the diplomat remarked of Obama at the time, regardless matter where the US president went.
The author Lea Sahay is the Süddeutsche Zeitung correspondent for China.
[This article first appeared on Süddeutsche Zeitung ]