Experts say the switch into attack mode partly reflects the new assertive China of Xi. (Representational)
Beijing, China:
China's "wolf warrior" diplomats are back after a brief lull, firing insults over Twitter, smearing critics and suggesting conspiracies.
The hyperactivity of the envoys follows renewed global pressure over Beijing's treatment of the Muslim Uyghur minority in China's Xinjiang region.
Here are five things to know as the wolf warriors once more bare their teeth:
When did it start?
The term "wolf warrior diplomacy" became common parlance in 2019, when Chinese envoys -- most prominently spokesman Zhao Lijian -- adopted a vociferous defence of the Communist-led country on social media platforms such as Twitter, which is blocked in China.