What the G7 summit symbolizes for China
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The party-state was in sharp focus at this week’s G7 and NATO summits, with a barrage of criticism on human rights, secrecy over the covid-19 outbreak, bullying of Taiwan and much else. The Western countries agreed on new initiatives to boost resilience; NATO is shifting its focus somewhat to boost deterrence in the Pacific region.
The reaction from Beijing was splenetic. But the problem for Chinese cheerleaders is that the propaganda lines are contradictory. Either the West is in irrevocable decline and worthy of mockery, or it is a menacing hegemon determined to destroy China. But it can’t be both.
Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian took the first approach. “The U.S. is sick, and it’s very sick. The G-7 should check America’s pulse and prescribe drugs for it,” he said.