Wolf Warrior Geng Shuang Transferred, Future Prospects Uncertain

Dark clouds hang over Tiananmen Square in Beijing. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

[People News] Trump is set to visit Beijing from late March to early April, prompting Beijing to foster a friendly atmosphere for Sino-U.S. relations. The military aircraft circling Taiwan have been grounded, and the intensity of statements regarding Taiwan has noticeably decreased, reflecting a rather submissive approach.

Recently, Geng Shuang, a Chinese Communist Party diplomat known for his hardline stance against the U.S., has experienced a sudden job change, moving from Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations to Vice President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. While this is a lateral transfer, it effectively removes him from the front lines of diplomacy, relegating him to a secondary role in non-governmental organisation diplomacy. Many netizens have remarked that Geng Shuang's chances for promotion appear dim, and he seems to be waiting for retirement.

Chinese state media reports that the official website of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs confirms Geng Shuang's new role as Vice President.

Some netizens argue that Geng Shuang's transfer from Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Vice President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs are both positions at the same level, indicating a lateral move rather than a promotion.

However, it is clear that Geng Shuang, who was once aggressive in his role as spokesperson, has now retreated from the front lines of multilateral diplomacy to a secondary role in non-governmental organisation diplomacy. This clearly suggests that Geng Shuang has been marginalised and is essentially waiting for retirement.

At present, China's economy is on the verge of collapse. The Chinese Communist Party urgently needs foreign investment while also desperately seeking Trump to lower tariffs on Chinese products. As a result, the CCP has no choice but to adopt a more conciliatory stance and disguise its efforts to improve relations with the United States. Consequently, the CCP must part ways with the Wolf Warrior spokesperson, who has been known for inciting trouble and lacking diplomatic finesse, leading to Geng Shuang being sidelined.

Netizen 'Zuo Tingpeng' remarked: 'Geng Shuang has been appointed by Xi to the position of vice president of the China People's Congress Foreign Affairs Committee, effectively marking the end of his political career. I never expected that the former wolf warrior would find himself in this situation today. Geng Shuang's dismissal at this juncture is likely closely tied to the developments in Iran, particularly following the U.S. killing of Qasem Soleimani. With no outlet for his frustration, Xi Jinping resorted to venting his anger on his subordinates. After Wang Yi was slapped twice, he called Fu Cong, the Chinese Communist Party's permanent representative to the United Nations, and berated him severely, subsequently leading to Geng Shuang's removal from office.'

Commentator 'Xin Gaodi' posted: 'The era of wolf warriors may be drawing to a close under the onslaught of the U.S., catching horses and killing hares.' Geng Shuang's departure is not merely a personal setback; it symbolises a broader shift in China's diplomacy from aggressive confrontation to a more pragmatic and tempered approach. Moving forward, we can expect similar adjustments to continue. Whether out of resentment or dignity, this former 'diplomatic tough guy' has ultimately stepped away from the limelight. It’s time for the wolf warriors to turn the page.'

Many netizens have commented that Geng Shuang's recent job transfer might mark the end of his political career. However, for him personally, this may not necessarily be a bad thing, as he won't have to endure criticism anymore. He is essentially a spokesperson; once promoted, he can only face daily criticism, which shortens his career.' The Chinese embassy now needs to replace its aggressive dogs with gentle and cute ones. All the fierce ones have been replaced.' 'It's better for him not to show his face; looking grim and resentful all day is quite intimidating.' 'It's good that Geng Shuang is not in the spotlight; his grim demeanour negatively impacts the country's image.' 'He might as well have the same fate as Zhao Lijian.' 'Oh, Old Geng is going to meet Zhao Lijian at the ends of the earth.' 'Mr. Geng, have you considered defecting to another country?' △