China is the spoiled brat of the worldwide community

by A. Altieri D’Angelo

The Chinese balloon incursion into U.S. territory (the Balloon Incident) demonstrated, once again, that China sees its actions as being beyond reproach. Unfortunately, such behavior is more akin to that of a spoiled child. This sense of entitlement on China’s part is making the world more dangerous.

Once the news of the balloon became public knowledge, the Chinese claimed it was an unfortunate accident but still took no action. But as criticism increased, China reverted to a more defensive posture. It claimed it was a harmless weather balloon that posed no risk. The U.S. had already determined it was a surveillance vessel that needed to be destroyed. Once the U.S. shot down the balloon, China claimed the act was a sign of U.S. decline. The People's Daily, the primary public relations outlet for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), stated, “The balloon incident has shown to the world how immature and irresponsible — indeed hysterical — the United States has been in dealing with the case”.

A spoiled child exhibits self-centered and immature behavior. The child shows, among other aspects, a lack of consideration for other people, demands having one’s way, obstructiveness, and manipulation to get their way. China exhibits many of these traits in the latest confrontation with the U.S. It is not atypical behavior. China's actions in the South China Sea, and its inhumane treatment of the Uyghurs, are classic Chinese reactions. Like a spoiled child, China will not accept any form of disagreement.

The Balloon Incident highlights China's immature and self-centered tendencies. To begin with, under international law, China had no right to allow a balloon to travel over U.S. territory. China refused to do anything about the balloon as it traveled to the continental U.S. The U.S. tracked the balloon's launch and warned China about its heading. China did nothing to stop the craft. The balloon, loaded with surveillance equipment, also had a self-destruct mechanism, but China did not destroy the balloon or its cargo. The balloon passed over several sensitive military sites while passing through the U.S. It ignored U.S. concerns about the balloon.

Chinese media ridiculed the U.S. by asking why a balloon would spook a great power. The media also suggested that Biden shot down the balloon to satisfy U.S. public opinion. Given the immaterial significance of the balloon transiting the U.S., they stated a strong leader would not bow to such pressure. The Chinese public relations effort failed to convince anyone that the U.S. was wrong to shoot down the balloon.

The U.S., for its part, had not only shot down the balloon but salvaged much of its apparatus and is conducting a detailed examination of the pieces. But to China’s dismay, the Biden Administration has provided details of the incident, surveillance program, and equipment to its allies. The U.S. has also claimed that the Chinese balloon-based spy program has overflown over 40 countries. This show and tell by the U.S. infuriated China. The CCP, particularly its leadership, does not handle criticism well (as expected of a spoiled juvenile).

In watching the Chinese, one cannot help but conclude that the spoiled child syndrome is prevalent in many parts of the Chinese leadership and CCP. China seeks to be the world's #1 economic, military, and political power. It will do anything, including adopting self-centered and anti-social behavior to achieve its goals. It will disregard the needs or views of other countries and always seek unconditional acceptance. China’s reaction to Lithuania’s support of Taiwan is another example of its bratty behavior.

Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in its country in 2021. China immediately retaliated and banned the sale of many Lithuanian products. It then went on to threaten this small country in several ways. The overreaction by China has had a very negative impact on China’s reputation in Europe. Many countries see China for what it is-an arrogant bully. China’s actions against Lithuania demonstrated that it, not the U.S., was acting hysterically.

The Balloon Incident is just one small manifestation of China’s aggressive, self-interested approach. However, when China can’t get what it wants-it overreacts; it did it with Lithuania and now tries to belittle the U.S. to avoid blame for being caught spying. The fact that senior Chines officials still publicly state the balloon and its package were nothing more than a weather balloon is sad and insulting. But when you are spoiled, you do not care about insulting people.

All democratic countries must deal with China in the same way an adult would treat a spoiled child. We must be clear about what we believe is acceptable behavior and discipline China firmly and consistently if it fails to meet expectations.