China's foreign policy has increasingly been characterized by terms that portray a more assertive and sometimes confrontational approach. Labels such as "Wolf Warrior Diplomacy" and "Debt-trap Diplomacy" highlight aggressive rhetoric and economic coercion. Concepts like "Sharp Power" and "Coercive Diplomacy" underscore the use of influence-peddling and threats to advance national interests. Furthermore, terms such as "Neo-imperialism" and "Great Power Competition" position China as a rising global actor challenging the established international order. These characterizations are often linked to specific policies and actions, like the Belt and Road Initiative, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and cross-strait tensions with Taiwan.

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General Terms

1. Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: This term refers to a more assertive and confrontational style of Chinese diplomacy,often characterized by aggressive rhetoric and actions.
2. Debt-trap Diplomacy: This describes China's lending practices, particularly to developing countries, which critics argue can lead to unsustainable debt burdens and loss of sovereignty.
3. Sharp Power: This term encompasses a range of coercive and manipulative tactics used by states to influence public opinion, policies, and institutions in other countries. China is often accused of employing sharp power techniques.

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More Specific Terms

1. Coercive Diplomacy: This refers to the use of threats or force to achieve diplomatic goals.
2. Realpolitik: While not exclusively negative, this term can be used to describe a pragmatic approach to foreign policy that prioritizes national interest over moral considerations, often associated with a more assertive stance.
3. Neo-imperialism: This term suggests that China's foreign policy is driven by a desire to expand its influence and control over other countries, reminiscent of historical imperial powers.
4. Great Power Competition: This term positions China as a rival to the United States, emphasizing a competitive and potentially adversarial relationship.

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Terms Related to Specific Issues

1. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): While seen as a positive development by some, critics often refer to it as "debt-trap diplomacy" or "neo-colonialism."
2. South China Sea: Terms like "maritime aggression" and "island building" are used to describe China's actions in the region.
3. Taiwan: "Taiwan Strait tensions" and "military intimidation" are often used to characterize China's policies towards Taiwan.