Beijing Hardliners Again Set the Tone for G20 by Harshly Rebutting Opponents

(L) The Chinese Delegation, including Vice Premier Liu He (L) and Governor of the People's Bank of China Yi Gang (2nd L) looks on during US-China Trade Talks in Washington, DC, on Jan. 30, 2019. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) (R) Trump Administration officials sit down with Chinese vice ministers and senior officials for negotiations in the Diplomatic Room at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building January 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

China’s top newspaper, People’s Daily, reiterated Beijing’s hardline stance in the U.S.-China trade relationship by publishing six commentaries on six consecutive days from June 17 to 22. In addition to criticizing those who wish to compromise with the United States, the articles also refute the argument that China should keep a low profile to avoid being a target in the international community.

Although all six articles are short, they have a tough and sarcastic tone, all titles are in the form of rhetorical questions, and they repeatedly use strong rhetorical questions in the text.

Patriotism and National Strength

Previously, another propaganda series by Chinese state media implied there was infighting in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) between two factions—”doves” and “hawks.” The doves blame the hawks for advocating “extreme nationalism,” and the hawks attack the doves for being “capitulators.”