At a press conference at the APEC meeting in Shanghai last month, China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan (
The DPP and President Chen Shui-bian
In his criticism of Tang, Qian said: "At international meetings, we can show a bit more flexibility. You could have let him [Lin] speak, after which you could have added your remarks. The initiative would have remained in our hands." I hear that Qian's tone of voice wasn't particularly stern, but that he had a severe look on his face.
People in the know point out that an unyielding and belligerent attitude, and a lack of refined and courteous behavior, are common traits among Chinese diplomats, and certainly not the exclusive preserve of Tang. Most of the China's diplomats have a background in the Cultural Revolution, some having served among the Red Guards.
Wu Jianmin (
Some international friends of China have actually told its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the country's diplomats don't behave diplomatically. Old habits die hard, don't they?
Wu Suli is a columnist for the Hong Kong-based Open Magazine.
Translated by Perry Svensson
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