China’s leaders often repeat a familiar slogan: “China never provokes, China only responds.”
At the United Nations, in diplomatic white papers, and in speeches by Xi Jinping, Beijing presents itself as a champion of peace, non-aggression, and “win-win cooperation.”

But the lived reality of China’s neighbors—from Japan to Vietnam, from the Philippines to India—tells a starkly different story.

Across Asia, China engages in:

• Airspace intrusions

• Naval harassment

• Militarized coast guard maneuvers

• Border militarization

• Economic punishment

• Cyber operations

• Political interference

This contradiction—claiming to oppose aggression while practicing coercion—raises the question:

Why does China preach non-aggression while behaving aggressively?

The answer lies in a combination of political strategy, ideology, insecurity, nationalist propaganda, and a deep belief within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that power, not principles, defines legitimacy.

Below is a detailed breakdown.

1. China’s “Peaceful Rise” Was Always a Strategic Mask

For years, China reassured the world that its rise would be peaceful. This narrative was deliberate.

Beijing knew:

• It needed decades to build its economic and military power

• Alarmed neighbors would form coalitions

• Foreign investment could decline if China appeared threatening

• The U.S. might attempt to contain China early

The “peaceful rise” narrative helped China:

• Access global markets

• Modernize its military quietly

• Avoid forming hostile alliances against it

• Establish economic dominance across Asia

Once China gained enough strength—militarily, economically, and diplomatically—it gradually abandoned the soft image.

This shift became visible around 2012, when Xi Jinping took power and introduced “wolf warrior diplomacy.”

The result: China’s behavior began contradicting its rhetoric.

2. The CCP Redefines Aggression to Suit Its Interests

China does not interpret aggression the way the rest of the world does.

According to Beijing’s worldview:

• Anything China does is defensive

• Anything its neighbors do that China disapproves of is aggression

• Any foreign presence near China is provocation

• Any act challenging China’s territorial claims is “hostile”

This is why Beijing frames:

• Crossing Taiwan’s airspace as “routine patrols”

• Militarizing the South China Sea as “defensive fortification”

• Sending warships into Japanese waters as “protecting sovereignty”

• Sanctioning other nations as “appropriate countermeasures”

• Supporting Russia diplomatically as “neutrality”

To China, assertive action is defensive, and neighbors protecting themselves is “provocation.”

This moral inversion allows China to act aggressively without admitting it.

3. China’s Territorial Claims Are Driven by Power, Not History

China often hides behind “history,” claiming it is merely defending lands “that have always been Chinese.”

But these claims often lack historical, legal, or moral basis.

Examples:

South China Sea

China claims almost the entire sea through the “Nine-Dash Line,” despite:

• No historical Chinese administration of these islands

• No continuous presence

• No international legal support

Senkaku Islands (Japan)

China recognized them as Japanese territory until the 1970s.
Oil was discovered, and China suddenly “remembered” ancient claims.

Himalayan Borders (India)

The borders were negotiated with British India.
China rejected all agreements after gaining military confidence.

These claims create the justification Beijing needs to frame coercion as “defensive.”

4. Nationalism Is the Engine of China’s Aggressive Behavior

Inside China, nationalism has become the CCP’s main tool for legitimacy.

Since the economy is slowing, unemployment is rising, and corruption is widespread, the Party redirects public frustration toward external enemies.

Xi Jinping’s propaganda system promotes:

• The idea that China is surrounded by hostile forces

• The belief that neighbors disrespect China’s rise

• The narrative that the West wants to keep China weak

• A mythology of “historical humiliation” requiring revenge

This nationalist emotional machinery creates public support for:

• Airspace incursions

• Naval confrontations

• Economic retaliation

• Anti-Japan hostility

• Anti-Filipino propaganda

• Anti-India sentiment

Aggression becomes “patriotism.”

5. China Uses Coercion Because It Works—Or It Used To

The CCP believes power creates obedience.

Historically, China has used force or intimidation to pressure neighbors to comply:

Economic coercion:

• Australia punished with tariffs

• South Korea punished for THAAD missile deployment

• Norway punished for awarding the Nobel Prize to Liu Xiaobo

• The Philippines threatened economically during maritime conflict

Military coercion:

• Vietnam confronted over oil exploration

• Malaysia shadowed by Chinese vessels

• Japan pressured near Senkaku Waters

• Taiwan overwhelmed with military sorties

For years, many Asian nations avoided confronting China due to:

• Economic dependence

• Fear of retaliation

• Weak military capabilities

• Lack of U.S. engagement (during certain administrations)

China interpreted this caution as weakness—and escalated further.

6. The CCP Believes Neighbors Should Submit to Its Dominance

China sees itself as the “Middle Kingdom”—the natural center of Asia.

Historically, surrounding states:

• Paid tribute

• Sent envoys

• Offered gifts

• Acknowledged China’s superiority

Xi Jinping has revived this worldview under:

• “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”

• “Asia for Asians”

• “Shared destiny for mankind” (under Chinese leadership)

To Beijing, neighbors—especially smaller ones—should:

• Not challenge China’s claims

• Not ally with the U.S.

• Not criticize the CCP

• Not make independent security choices

If they do, China sees it as rebellion, not sovereignty.

7. Why the CCP Uses Force: Fear, Not Confidence

Despite its power, China is fundamentally insecure.

Internally, it fears:

• Democratic ideas

• Separatism

• Economic slowdown

• Social unrest

• The fall of the CCP

Externally, it fears:

• Alliances forming against it

• U.S. military presence in Asia

• Japan’s technological edge

• India’s rising power

• ASEAN unity

So China attempts to intimidate neighbors before they can unite.

Its aggression is therefore rooted not in confidence, but in paranoia.

8. The CCP Calculated That the World Would Not Push Back

For years, China believed it could:

• Harass neighbors

• Militarize the South China Sea

• Violate airspace

• Punish countries economically

…without serious consequences.

Why?

• Many countries depended on Chinese trade

• The West was divided

• The U.S. was perceived as declining

• Southeast Asia avoided confrontation

• Japan’s pacifism limited military response

This created a window of opportunity for China to expand its influence aggressively.

However, the world is now awakening and pushing back—Japan is rearming, the Philippines is strengthening alliances, India is fortifying its borders, and ASEAN states are speaking out more boldly.

China’s Actions Reveal Its Real Doctrine—Power Over Principles

China claims to “oppose aggression,” but its behavior reveals the opposite.

The CCP operates under a simple formula:

• “What we do is peaceful.”

• “What neighbors do is provocation.”

• “Might makes right.”

• “History is whatever we say it is.”

• “Coercion is diplomacy by other means.”

China’s aggression is driven by:

• Ambition

• Nationalism

• Insecurity

• Expansionist objectives

• Strategic opportunism

• A belief that neighbors should obey

In the end, China’s repeated use of military intimidation and economic coercion exposes a fundamental contradiction:

China does not oppose aggression.
China opposes resistance.