By Li Deyan, Vision Times
Chinese diplomat Geng Shuang, long known for his confrontational rhetoric toward Western governments, has been appointed vice president of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs. The move has fueled new rumors that the once-prominent “wolf warrior” diplomat is being pushed to the sidelines amid sweeping purges taking place within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The appointment appeared on the institute’s official website on March 6, listing Geng, previously China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, as its new vice president.
Geng has built a reputation as one of Beijing’s most outspoken diplomats, frequently delivering sharp criticism of the U.S. and its allies during his time as a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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‘Wolf warrior’ diplomacy
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Born in April 1973 in Beijing, Geng earned a master’s degree in international relations from Tufts University in the United States before joining China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1995. Over the following decades, he held a series of diplomatic posts, including assignments within the ministry’s international department and China’s mission to the United Nations.
Between 2003 and 2011, he served in several roles within the ministry, including counselor and division chief, and later worked at the Chinese embassy in Washington as a press counselor and spokesperson.
In September 2016, Geng became deputy director-general of the ministry’s information department and the 30th spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, making him one of the youngest diplomats to hold the position. During that time, he gained international attention for his combative tone.
For example, after the Group of Seven (G7) nations issued a statement in August 2019 supporting Hong Kong’s autonomy, Geng accused the group of “pointing fingers,” “making irresponsible remarks,” and harboring “ulterior motives.” His remarks were widely criticized internationally for their unusually harsh tone.
In June 2020, Geng stepped down as foreign ministry spokesperson and was reassigned to China’s mission to the United Nations as deputy permanent representative.
Pushed to the sidelines
His latest appointment has prompted discussion among political observers about whether he has effectively been moved out of the central diplomatic spotlight. The Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs operates as a semi-official diplomatic organization under Beijing’s foreign policy system. Analysts note that positions within the institute are often assigned to senior diplomats approaching the end of their careers.
A commentator known as “China Personnel Watch” wrote on the social media platform X that the move could signal the end of Geng’s upward trajectory. “Vice presidents of the institute are usually positions for diplomats nearing retirement,” the commentator wrote. “Most officials who take the post retire from there, while only a small number later become ambassadors or consuls general. Advancement beyond that is extremely rare.”
The commentator added that the appointment “basically signals the end of Geng Shuang’s political career.” Many online observers expressed surprise given Geng’s relatively young age. “Born in 1973, he’s only in his early fifties,” one user wrote. “It seems early to say he’s already been sidelined.”
Another commentator suggested that geopolitical tensions may have played a role in the reshuffle. “Wolf warrior diplomat Geng Shuang has effectively been removed from his UN deputy representative role and reassigned,” wrote political commentator “Sato Peng.” “His career path appears to have reached its endpoint.”
A decline in loyalty
Some analysts say Geng’s move reflects a broader reshuffling among China’s most prominent “wolf warrior” diplomats. Online commentators have noted that several well-known spokespersons from the same era have also been reassigned.
Former foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, born in 1972, was moved in 2023 to the ministry’s Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs. Another spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, born in 1971, was appointed ambassador to Cambodia in 2024. Meanwhile, Hua Chunying, born in 1970, has advanced within the ministry and now serves as a vice minister of foreign affairs.
One commentator described the trend as unsustainable. “The wolf warrior diplomacy style may remain under Xi Jinping, but those spokespersons who delivered the sharp rhetoric appear disposable once they are no longer needed.”
Rumors of a ‘soft landing’
Meanwhile, speculation has also resurfaced regarding the fate of former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, who disappeared from public view in 2023 before being abruptly removed from office. According to a March 8 report by Hong Kong’s Ming Pao, citing unnamed sources, Qin has reportedly been demoted from a vice-state-level position to a vice-ministerial rank and placed into early retirement.
Numerous rumors have circulated regarding the reasons for Qin’s downfall, including allegations of leaking state secrets or involvement with a journalist who was alleged to have intelligence connections. Some reports even claimed he had died, though none were confirmed.
The Ming Pao report stated that the official explanation centered on “lifestyle issues.” Although the case reportedly caused “serious negative impact,” it did not involve questions of political loyalty, allowing Qin to receive what observers describe as a “soft landing.”
The apparent sidelining of several high-profile “wolf warrior” diplomats has led some analysts to speculate that Beijing may be recalibrating its diplomatic style amid rising geopolitical tensions. Observers note that while the confrontational tone that characterized China’s diplomacy in recent years may continue, the officials who personified that style may gradually be replaced or reassigned.
Editorial note: Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Vision Times.
